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Sheerness Leisure Complex paddling pool targetted by yobs in town’s latest vandal attack

15:37, 26 May 2023

updated: 18:57, 26 May 2023

A children’s paddling pool which was filled with glass and paint is the latest in a string of attacks by vandals.

The facility at the Sheppey Leisure Complex, in Beach Street, Sheerness, was shut for two days after staff discovered the mess.

The Sheppey Leisure Complex had to close its paddling pool after glass and paint were thrown into it. Picture: Sheppey Leisure Complex
The Sheppey Leisure Complex had to close its paddling pool after glass and paint were thrown into it. Picture: Sheppey Leisure Complex

A spokesman for the leisure centre said: “Regretfully we had to close the paddling pool on Sunday, May 21, due to vandalism.

“Please get in touch with us if you know who threw paint and glass in and around our vital community asset.

“Unfortunately, the padding pool needed to be shut until the pool is drained, cleaned and recommissioned.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused during that time.”

The pool reopened on Tuesday, May 23. However, this isn’t the first time yobs have targeted the area.

Cllr Mike Whiting, the Kent County Councillor serving the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: SBC
Cllr Mike Whiting, the Kent County Councillor serving the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: SBC

Mike Whiting, Kent County Councillor for Sheppey, said: “This is such a shame.

“The paddling pool is a great resource and the vandals responsible should take a careful look at themselves and the harm they are doing to the place they presumably call home.”

This is the fifth report since December last year of vandalism on the Island.

On December 15, the £50,000 playground castle on Beachfield's Sandpit in Sheerness was destroyed by flames after it was deliberately set alight.

On January 16, it was reported that playgroup staff, who parked their cars by Beachfields, had to spend hundreds of pounds on repairs after their vehicles were repeatedly targeted by vandals.

Employees at Wiggles had their property scratched and tyres slashed and deflated.

What was left of the £50k play equipment. Picture: SBC
What was left of the £50k play equipment. Picture: SBC

In April two war memorials were damaged by vandals across the Easter weekend.

The silhouette figures, next to the Minster Gatehouse Museum, appeared to have been bent-in-half following, what was described as, a "mindless act of destruction".

Later that month, on April 24, newly restored flower beds became the target of yobs in the area.

The planters in Marine Town, Sheerness, had their plants removed and stolen.

The vandalised war memorials. Picture: Paul Alexander Thurston
The vandalised war memorials. Picture: Paul Alexander Thurston

On Tuesday, May 16, Sheerness Town Council announced that yet again planters in the area had been vandalised.

A spokesman said: “The planters in Alma Street have once again been vandalised.

“The staff worked hard replacing the plants that were missing from the previous theft, but now they have nearly all gone.

“It's such a shame that the selfishness of some has spoilt it for so many. These planters are for the community to share, and to help brighten up a neglected area.”

The planters that were vandalised in Alma Street. Picture: Sheerness Town Council
The planters that were vandalised in Alma Street. Picture: Sheerness Town Council

The vandalism at the paddling pool has been reported to police.

Anyone with information that can help police should call 101 quoting the reference SD-10550-23-4646-01.

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