Sunday 30 September 2007

DALTON/Barrow: Vandal-hit allotments to get new security gates

Vandal-hit allotments to get new security gates

SECURITY gates are to be installed at Dalton allotments to deter vandals.The plots off Fair View, were hit on Tuesday night after thieves smashed their way in by cutting padlocks.

A number of sheds were broken into and a caravan had its door kicked in. Padlocks were also stolen in the raid along with chains, a hedge trimmer and a cockerel. Barrow Borough Council now hopes to stop vandals in their tracks with the installation of security gates next month.

Dalton mayor, Councillor Bill Bleasdale, has an allotment on the site but his property was not affected. Cllr Bleasdale said: “Periodically we get one or two mindless vandals who cause damage for no reason.“I understand from the borough council that gates are going to be installed to improve security.“If we get these gates, it will definitely assist in keeping these vandals out. “It will be completed this year, which hopefully will deter the casual vandal. It’s just mindless.”

Barrow Borough Council parks and amenities officer, Katy Hall, said the security gates were an ongoing project which she was hoping to have erected by the end of next month.Miss Hall said: “The gates will go in at the entrance to the allotments site. They will stop general members of the public and undesirables going up there.“I am looking to get them up and completed by the end of October. “All of the allotment holders are aware of this and they are all happy that we’re doing something about it.”

But Miss Hall said even if there had been gates in place, it would not necessarily have prevented the latest spate of vandalism because the thieves came well prepared with heavy-duty bolt cutters.

PC John McBride, of Dalton police station, is investigating the crime.He has appealed for anyone with information about the break-in last Tuesday to get in touch.

People can call Dalton police on 0845 33 00 247, or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=546400

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