“Shameless vandalism” ruins newly refurbish Glasgow playpark

Locals are outraged as a newly refurbished playpark in Glasgow’s Southside has been trashed by vandals. 

The park on Bonnyholm Avenue in the Cardonald area has recently been given a £160,000 upgrade which included the installation of several new pieces of equipment. 

Several new pieces of apparatus have been damaged including a see-saw, conical climbing frame and a swing. 

Police Scotland are investigating the crime, which took place only months after the park was reopened to the public in September last year.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convenor for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: “It is extremely disappointing and frustrating that this vibrant new community facility has been extensively damaged just months after re-opening to local children. A lot of time, effort and money went into the refurbishment and it is absolutely infuriating that shameless vandals have ruined it, with no thought for the upset youngsters who can no longer use several pieces of equipment.

“Sadly, the damaged items have had to be cordoned off – denying local children the chance to enjoy them. It will take time and additional money to repair the equipment. It’s absolutely appalling.”

The Councillor urged any members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information about the vandalism to Police Scotland. 

The park was one of the first to be refurbished after Glasgow City Council pledged to invest £6m in freshening up over one hundred parks throughout the city over the next 5 years. 

So far several playparks have been upgraded including those within Garrowhill Park, Kelvindale Community Park, Glasgow Green Play Village, Govanhill Park and Kelvingrove Play Area.

Claire Elliot