TAMESIDE: Steamer trashed by gang of yobs

Steamer trashed by gang of yobs

SUNK: park manager Mark Porter and Councillor Bernard Walsh

A HUNT is underway for a gang of yobs who swam out to a popular steamboat in the middle of the night and trashed it.

The Stamford Bellesteamer, which is moored on Stamford Park boating lake, was targeted in the dead of night.

It is believed the gang swam out to the vessel before climbing aboard and causing thousand of pounds worth of damage.

They pulled up floor boards, ripped off the fuel tank and tore out electrical wiring before sabotaging the engine.

Park chiefs fear it will be out of action for the rest of the summer.

Kevin Gartside, assistant town manager, said: "It is very disheartening. This mindless destruction will deprive a lot of children of the pleasure it provides."

Stamford Park boating lake has played home to a pleasure steamer since the early 1900s. The Stamford Belle came into service in the early 1970s — following in the wake of Sunflower 1 and Sunflower 2.

Councillor Bernard Walsh believes local youths are responsible and is urging parents to blow the whistle.

"There is a lot of damage and it will be costly to put it right, but we are doing everything we can to get the boat running as soon as possible," he said.

"The Stamford Belle is unique and a big attraction for Stamford Park and I look forward to seeing kids on the lake every summer, so we will be doing everything we can to repair her quickly.

"The people that did this will have gone home dripping wet and covered in mud after dark on Thursday, so someone knows who did it."

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