Reward offered to catch Ferry Meadows vandals

Staff at Ferry Meadows are offering a reward to anyone who provides information to catch vandals which have struck at the park this week.
Vandalism  of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. Pictured is  park ranger Ashley Weal with saw-off tree. EMN-170902-173208009Vandalism  of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. Pictured is  park ranger Ashley Weal with saw-off tree. EMN-170902-173208009
Vandalism of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. Pictured is park ranger Ashley Weal with saw-off tree. EMN-170902-173208009

Yobs have struck at the picturesque beauty spot twice this week, using saws to damage trees, play equipment and fences.

Memorial benches - with plaques dedicated to loved ones - have also been destroyed, with the memorials thrown into the lakes.

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This week’s vandalism comes just a few months after racist and sexist graffiti was sprayed over the park seven times in a two week period.

Staff and volunteers are carrying out repairs and counting the cost of the damage, while considering the next move to stop the vandals hitting again.

Now a £100 reward has been offered to anyone who provides information that leads to a successful conviction.

Teresa Wood from Nene Park Trust, which runs the park, said the size of the park was causing problems to keep it secure - but they were considering installing more CCTV.

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She said: “We are reviewing our security strategy. In the past we have taken the view that Nene Park/Ferry Meadows is a natural environment and would be spoilt by flood lighting and CCTV.

Vandalism  of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. EMN-170902-173059009Vandalism  of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. EMN-170902-173059009
Vandalism of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. EMN-170902-173059009

“There is CCTV and lighting in the central areas.

“There are a number of entrances to the Park and is therefore an extensive area to cover. But we are reviewing different options at the moment and will be looking at what we can do to improve security.

“We continue to work with the Police and are guided by them on what they consider appropriate in these circumstances.”

A police spokesman said they were not able to comment on action they were taking to tackle the problems. However, this week a spokesman said officers were not connecting they latest attacks with those which happened in November and December last year.

Vandalism  of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. EMN-170902-173116009Vandalism  of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. EMN-170902-173116009
Vandalism of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. EMN-170902-173116009
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Since the latest vandalism spree, the Nene Park Trust has set up a Just Giving web page to raise funds to pay for the costs of repairs.

The page has had dozens of people donating cash, each talking about the value of the park to the city.

One person, who donated £50, said; “I cannot understand these mindless vandals. Ferry Meadows is such an attribute to Peterborough and holds many lovely memories for my family & I and I’m sure many others.”

Another, who donated £30 to the pot, said: “Gutted! Such a lovely place. We even got engaged here. Hope you raise enough to make all the repairs needed x”

Vandalism  of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. EMN-170902-173149009Vandalism  of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. EMN-170902-173149009
Vandalism of play equiptment, benches and fencing at Ferry Meadows. EMN-170902-173149009
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Trevor and Loraine Lyons donated £100 and said: “A massive thank you to all your staff. We are very proud to say we live on the edge of the park. It is kept beautiful and well manicured all year round. Thank you and Don’t get disheartened.”

Anyone who wishes to donate to the campaign should visit www.justgiving.com/nene-park

Anyone with information about who is behind the vandalism attacks is asked to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.