Anti-social antics close Grantham play park

Families living on the Bovis Homes Mallard Quarter development, off Springfield Road in Grantham, have been left disappointed after their play park closed due to ongoing acts of vandalism.

Since being built in 2015, the park has been plagued with anti-social behaviour after becoming a meeting place for youths, thought to be living elsewhere.

Paul Bellamy lives on the estate with his three children, aged between six and 10. He said: “My children are devastated that it’s closed as it was very close to our home and a nice place to visit until the older kids destroyed it.”

Cheryl Leaper also lives nearby. She said: “There’s a great community feel around here, so it’s disappointing that our children have to miss out. My daughter loved going to the park after school.”

Residents have created a residents’ association and Facebook group to tackle any further issues together.

A spokesman said: “The group has been set up to create a better community spirit. We have a temporary committee in place and we’re working towards beneficial resolutions for the community.

“We’ve also joined a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.”

County and district councillor Adam Stokes is supporting their efforts. He said: “Bovis needs to start communicating with the residents and holding discussions in order to move things forward for them.”

A Bovis spokesman said the developer was forced to close the park due to vandalism and anti-social behaviour, adding that it had written to residents affected.

He added: “We apologise for any convenience this causes but the health and safety of the public is of paramount importance. While the play area is closed we will repair the current damage and will continue to work with the local authorities and police to find a way forward so that the community can enjoy this facility.”