Mindless river vandals are putting lives at risk
VANDALS are putting pedestrians and river traffic at risk in Brigg, say the Environment Agency after a damage spree on riverside fencing.
The 1.2 metre-high railings, which prevent people falling down an 8ft drop into the Old River Ancholme, behind the Lidl supermarket, have been attacked six times.
Most recently the vandals completely removed one of the sections, which could not be found and had to be replaced.
Andy Woods, the agency’s Lincolnshire Waterways river inspector said: “The main concern is that mothers feed the ducks with their children in that area and if a young child runs off, they could end up in the river.”
The vandalism has gone from kicking out the fence bars to completely knocking the railings over and throwing parts into the river, causing dangers for boats.
“This continued vandalism is putting people's safety at risk and costing the Environment Agency - and ultimately the tax payer - a lot of money.”
The railings were erected six years ago, with part-funding from Brigg Town Council. Councillor Mike Campion said: “Brigg Town Council utterly condemns this sort of mindless vandalism that obviously puts the lives of innocent people at risk.
“There has already been one serious accident and the fencing is to prevent any further similar occurrences that could lead to more serious consequences.
“The council hopes that those responsible for the repeated vandalism will be caught. It is suspected some people in Brigg know exactly who they are. Perhaps they should examine their conscience and consider how they would feel if the vandalism resulted in someone suffering a serious injury or, even worse, a fatality,’ sais Coun Campion.
The police now have powers to disperse groups of youths gathering in the area and urges anyone seeing vandalism and damage to call police on 0845 60 60 222.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Market Rasen
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
