POLICE TO STEP UP PATROLS AT VANDALISED NATURE RESERVE
September 24, 2008 5:17 PM
Originally published by West Midlands Liberal Democrats
Originally published by West Midlands Liberal Democrats
Police Officers have agreed to step up patrols and may introduce dogs to try to stamp out graffiti and vandalism that is ruining Elmdon Manor Nature Reserve.
The move follows a spate of vandalism with trees burned and destroyed, and five foot high graffiti covering the original brickwork of a 17th Century walled garden that would cost thousands to clean.
Lorely Burt MP and local councillor, Glenis Slater visited the site today with police officers and a representative from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust who manage the site which is open to the public.
They were shown the damage by volunteer warden, Rod Franks, who is one of three members of the Wildlife Trust who put in hours every week to maintain the reserve for visitors.
Lorely said:
"It is very disheartening for Rod and his team who give so much time to maintain this important local heritage site, only to see much of their work ruined by vandalism.
"I have asked the police to step up patrols and perhaps introduce dog patrols, which they have agreed to do.
"The real tragedy is that these 17th Century walls that border the original garden are constructed with soft lime mortar that would be washed away using the usual methods to clean graffiti. This means the terrible mess that has been left on this site will cost thousands to clean up for visitors."
Lorely said that she will introduce an Early Day Motion in Parliament next month, seeking cross-party support for new legislation to require cans of spray paint to be stored in safe areas where they cannot be stolen.
"The police have told me that most of the spray paint used is stolen, so why not display the colours to customers and keep the paint cans behind the counter to be supplied to bona fide customers on request?" added Lorely
Caption: Lorely Burt MP with, from left PCSO Jayne Turner, Councillor Glenis Slater, PC Keith Pendleton and Warden Rod Franks see the damage.
ENDS
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