Anger at play area vandals

Aug 8 2002 By Helen Harper, Caernarfon And Denbigh Herald

PARENTS and residents of Rhostryfan are furious after discovering that shards of glass had been left all over a children's play area,creating a serious hazard.

It is thought that the incident happened over the weekend, at the playground, next to a primary school.

There was litter strewn over the play area: glass bottles had been broken directly underneath the play equipment, on the safety mats, causing a serious hazard.

Dewi Tomos, chairman of the community council, said: "Parents are worried, and the school holidays have started. I appeal to those who did this to come and clean it up, because it is their younger brothers, sisters and relatives that can'tuseit.

"We have had a problem on and off for several years, and quite recently had problems with underage drinking.

"We think this problem happened over the weekend.

"The playground is right in the middle of Rhostryfan behind the school, and the caretaker saw parents taking their children away from the play area. The safety mats are covered in glass and it would be difficult to clean the tiny shards of glass.

"I am also chairman of the village hall committee and we organise events through the year to get a community spirit back. It is unfortunate that this type of thing has happened when we weretrying to create a positive attitude."

The committee has had funding to improve the village environment and is asking young people to get involved, and members are angry.

Gwynedd councillor Glyn Owen added: "It's awful that they have shown such a lack of respect.

"I have drawn it to the attention of Gwynedd Council: the play area is for children under the age of 12, and somebody could be seriously injured.

"It is most irresponsible and it seems deliberate because it is right under the play equipment."

Representatives from Gwynedd Council will clean the area shortly.