Thousands to be spent protecting Easebourne park as vandal 'miscreants' return

An artisan bandstand, named The Roundhouse, was built in Easebourne Park earlier this year and is the culmination of work and investment from a number of community groups. Artisan bandstand in Easebourne Park will be ‘enjoyed by generations to come’.Vandals left smashed glass, beer cans and cannabis cigarette ends in the community park last month and are believed to have returned after the roof of the building was damaged. Vandals leave smashed glass and drugs strewn across Easebourne Park.Ian Milne, the lead councillor at Easebourne Parish Council, said: "What's happened is somebody, somehow has dislodged some wooden planks in the ceiling.

"We have had it repaired at a cost to the council with yet more money spent in a negative way rather than in a positive way.

"We are going down the route of CCTV in the park. We really really don't want to this but there is no other option."

With nothing to go off, police closed the case after it was reported to them, with the vandals walking away unscathed again.

"It's all very disappointing," Ian added, "but we need CCTV as it will act as a deterrent."

The cost of the CCTV is expected to cost Easebourne Parish Council between £3,000 - £4,000. It is now awaiting formal approval from West Sussex County Council which owns the building the cameras will be placed on.

Litter has been another issue faced by the parish council with yet more 'spliffs' appearing

The council is looking to further develop the park with a 'scooter track' and community information board.

Ian said: "We have ambitions to install a scooter track for young children and a large park notice board so that the council and members of the public ca put up signs.

"But we are spending money to repair damage caused by vandals rather than developing more of the park."