WELLINGTON’S historic park has been hit by a wave of vandalism with thousands of pounds of damage caused to buildings and floral displays destroyed.

The vandals have struck on a number of occasions, leaving park staff and residents distraught and angry.

Cllr Andrew Govier, who represents the town on the district and county councils, said: “It is really sad to see the damage that has been done. Throughout lockdown I have walked through the park almost every day and have seen the hard work the staff put in to make the park the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the town.

“The staff are out in all winds and weathers planting and maintaining the park. They must be heartbroken to come in, as they did on Friday morning, to see a beautiful display of tulips had been torn out and the flowers thrown everywhere.”

Cllr Govier said that over the last couple of weeks damage had been caused most days, including a large number of tiles being smashed on the roof of a small shelter, guttering broken on the bandstand, slabs thrown into the fountain and damage to the planting.

Somerset West and Taunton Council staff who maintain the park have reported the damage and sent photos to the local police who have increased patrols in the area.

Cllr Govier added: “I have spoken to the local police about the matter and they are aware of the damage. The problem is that the damage takes place late at night, sometimes after the park is locked. Unfortunately, the park is very easy to access and isn’t very secure – there are lots of ways in and out of the park even when the gates are secured.”

For the full story, see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.