Anger as park benches destroyed by yobs (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Anger as park benches destroyed by yobs

7:30am Saturday 6th October 2012 in News

A METAL bench might have to be installed in a popular woodland area after vandals destroyed two wooden ones.

Earlier this year a bench at the rear of Hutton Poplars, in Poplars Drive, Hutton, was destroyed by yobs, forcing Brentwood Council to remove it.

After speaking with residents, a decision was made to install a new wooden bench at the same spot, costing £600.

However, a little under a month after it was put in, vandals have been back at the site and set fire to the new bench, meaning council bosses have been forced once again to remove it.

Hutton North ward councillor and council leader Louise McKinlay has said it has now got to the point where a metal bench rather than a wooden one is being considered for the area.

She added she is “furious” with the actions of the yobs who have destroyed the benches.

Mrs McKinlay said: “After the first bench was vandalised, a number of residents said they wanted a new one, so we decided to go ahead with it with the bench being put in just under a month ago.

“Now though, that one has been destroyed as well, meaning the place looks a mess and £600 has been effectively wasted.

“We are now being forced to look into a compromise for residents which could see a metal bench put in so it becomes harder to vandalise, but it is not a great situation.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating the incidents. Anyone with any information should contact the Hutton Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.”