'Metal gates may be introduced after vandals attack'

26/01/2009

A set of metal gates could be introduced in Devon to stop vandals from causing damage to a country park in the area.

Devon 24 reported that vandals have destroyed a gate at the entrance to the Northam Burrows three times in the past six months before driving across the area.

Head ranger Shawn Corin said he is considering implementing drastic measures to prevent it from happening again.

Speaking to the news provider, he said: "Each time the gate is broken it costs the council around £300 and ultimately, it's our local residents who have to pay for it.

"We'll have to consider using metal gates, which are twice as expensive to buy and maintain and will detract from the natural beauty all around, but should at least deter the vandals."

He added that by smashing the gate, the vandals are creating a health and safety hazard as there are a large number of splinters from the broken gate.

Meanwhile, the Warwick Courier reported that a victim of vandalism in Leamington has called for more security after numerous incidents of criminal damage.