Coate Water play park vandalised just 36 days after opening

That's how long it took for someone to vandalise the eagerly anticipated and extremely welcomed new play park at Coate Water. 

In a post on its Facebook page, Swindon Borough Council shared a picture of the damage caused to the fencing at the new park that opened on March 23.

A spokesperson for the council said: "We were very disappointed to see recent vandalism at the brand-new Coate Water play area.

"Just after it opened sand was removed from the park and scattered around the area and, just this week, someone broke part of the park’s wooden fencing.

Swindon Borough Council has bemoaned 'disappointing' and 'sad' vandalism at the new Coate Water children's play park. (Image: Swindon Borough Council)

"This is an amazing asset for the local community, which has brought great joy to local children and their families, so it is incredibly sad to see it being treated this way by a tiny minority of people."

The fencing has been temporarily fixed as the local authority waits for new panels to arrive.

The council is now encouraging anyone that uses the playpark, found near the parking spaces at Coate Water county park, to report any anti-social behaviour they see to the police. 

"If anyone sees any vandalism or anti-social behaviour taking place at the park, please report it to the police on 101 so those damaging this inclusive environment can be caught as soon as possible."