Vinery hit by vandals

     


Vandals have struck at the recently-restored vinery below the Leas, leaving a trail of havoc in their wake.

Broken glass, litter, graffiti, urine and vomit have greeted Lower Leas Coastal Park Manager, Laura Pinkham, when she's carried out an inspection of vinery over the last 10 days.

The majority of the damage occurred after a series of parties on the site when vandals broke down a vine, hacked into a wooden fence and broke up a bench to make a bonfire. They also left empty booze bottles and cans strewn across the recently-restored seating area.

The Vinery was built in the 1930s and is a grade II listed structure. It was renovated by the council last summer with the help of Lottery funding.

It is estimated that the recent damage will cost £2,000 to put right including officer time and the reinstatement of the bench.

One person has been arrested after being spotted by CCTV footage showed youths climbing onto the roof.

Councillor, Alan North, Cabinet Member for the Environment, slammed the behaviour of those involved.

"This mindless vandalism is unnecessary. No-one is objecting to young people enjoying themselves, but we do not expect vandalism to be a part of that, especially when it is at the expense of council tax payers

"I hope magistrates take this cost into account and that it is reflected in any fines or punishment they issue."