High cost of park vandals

A report by council chiefs says an extra £220,00 a year is needed to carry this out.

A large part of that money - £75,000 - would be earmarked for cleansing activities, such as sweeping and clearing up dog mess, chewing gum and graffiti.

The rest of the cash could be spent on paths and roadways, providing park furniture, draining sports fields, and repairing fencing and gates.

Council officers produced the report on parks' maintenance funding, at the request of Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge.

The report was due to be discussed at a meeting of the council's education and leisure scrutiny committee today.

Prepared by principal parks and open spaces officer Derek Price, the report says that undertaking a full programme of maintenance and repairs, through the provision of £220,000, would be "a major step forward".

It adds that revenue funding to protect and enhance new and existing parks facilities, including £1 million of new playgrounds provided over three years, has not kept pace with external capital funding.

The report also reveals: * high levels of vandalism and anti-social behaviour have led to higher expenditure for cleaning and repairs; * no weekend cleansing is undertaken to any park areas at present; * many walkways, drive and car parks are badly worn and sometimes rutted; * many sections of fencing and gates are in need of extensive works and painting; * large numbers of seats and bins remain absent at many locations because of vandalism; and * there is an "urgent need" for a programme of draining and surface refurbishment on sports pitches and tennis courts.

Councillor Etheridge said: "It is essential that all facilities, sports pitches, parks, bowling greens, tennis courts and all leisure facilities are provided with the resources they need.

"We must look after our parks so that our children are given the facilities they deserve. Playgrounds are an essential part of our futures."