by Rebecca Hannant
Withernsea Town Council has said it is “disappointed and frustrated” after the Valley Gardens stage and its new roof was vandalised.
Between 7.30am on Sunday, September 22, and 7.30am the following morning, part of the stage was set on fire, and several holes were cut into the roof using a sharp object.
The damage follows a spate of vandalism reported in the Withernsea area recently, including damage to the Southcliff toilets and Belvedere Play Park, and several other places in the town.
The town council says that groups of youths are often seen in the area after such incidents and urged parents to always be aware of where their children are and what they are doing.
Last year, the old roof on the Valley Gardens stage was replaced at a cost of £25,800, paid for by UKSPF Communities and Place funding.
Jayne Moxon, Withernsea Town Council clerk, said: “The town council is very disappointed and frustrated with the latest spate of criminal damage in Valley Gardens.
“The police are checking the CCTV footage, and the town council will take the necessary action against the offenders. Apart from the damage to the roof, setting light to public-owned property is a serious offence.”
Inspections are now taking place to check the scope of the repairs, which are expected to be costly. The roof has also been reported to be no longer watertight so there is a possibility that planned events may also be affected.
Jayne added: “It is so upsetting when people are working so hard to find the funding to improve the town. It’s not an easy job. Money is tight as it is without having to repair criminal damage all the time. If parents had to pay for the damage, they would make sure they know where their kids are and what they’re up to.
“We would urge anyone with any information to contact us or the police and ask everyone in the town to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour straight away.”
Humberside Police said: “At around 7.30am on Monday, September 23, officers were called to reports of suspected arson to the stage at Valley Gardens in Withernsea, causing damage to the roof.
“Thankfully nobody was injured because of the damage. If anyone has any information or CCTV or dashcam footage, and was in the area at the time of the incident, please contact us on our non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 24*137064.
“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous you can report via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
