Page 14 - link magazine

14 swindonlink.com • August 2010
Sociopaths must not be allowed to take territory

Middleleaze resident Brian Toft is calling on Swindon Council to replace swings destroyed by vandals in June, following an arson attack last
year when a wooden climbing frame was burnt down at the play area adjacent to the Salt Way Centre.
“I was outraged to see more damage to the it will encourage them to destroy other play
play area,” said Brian. “It was a mindless crimi- areas enjoyed by families.
nal act where somebody or several people have “I urge Swindon Council not to allow the
gone there with a saw and cut down the four ‘broken society’ represented by these vandals
wooden posts that supported the metal cross to impose itself on us and to find the resources
piece from which the children’s swings hung.” to reinstate the swings, this time with metal
He added that Swindon Council’s parks poles.”
departments had acted swiftly to remove the A Swindon Council
damage and make the ground safe but Brian spokeswoman said,
is very concerned that the council does not “we would love to
intend to replace the equipment. repair the swings but
“What seems to be happening is that these the cost will be up
criminals want to remove anything attractive to £7,000 which the
to children and families so that they can claim council doesn’t have
the territory and carry on activities which they in its play area main-
do not want the general public to observe, such tenance budget.”
as the consumption of illegal drugs. Left, Brian and Ann Toft
“This must not be allowed to happen; if the with Emma. Right, the
sociopaths see that they’re winning ground destroyed swings
Shaw mum Donna Starr has complained that new play parks in West Swindon do
not cater for a wide enough age range.
In April old play areas in Westlea, Nine Elms and Grange Park were relaunched
with funding from the government’s £1.5million Play Builder allocation to Swindon.
But Donna thinks more thought could have been given to the design. “I’m glad the
play areas have been rebuilt but pre-school children and toddlers do not have enough
equipment available to them. Parents with young children are frustrated that they can’t
use the play features which are mainly for school age children.
However a spokeswoman for Swindon Council said the play areas were designed
after an extensive consultation exercise last Autumn and the equipment was chosen
to make the play areas exciting for all ages.
Left, Donna Starr, left, with her friend Michelle Eatwell and their children
• Refurbishment of two more Play Builder play areas in West Swindon - on Shaw Ridge
and Shelfinch, Toothill - should be complete and ready for use by the end of July.

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