Vandal-hit disability swings remain closed

Repairs to playground swings for wheelchair users in a Grimsby park have been delayed because of issues getting replacement parts, the council has said.

The specialist disability play equipment at Weelsby Woods was locked up at the end of July following vandalism.

A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said it had hoped for the repair to be finished during the school summer holidays, adding the equipment would remain locked to prevent "further misuse".

They added: "The council is still waiting for the availability and delivery of those parts. Until they arrive the swings cannot be used."

At the time of the closure, people living nearby said the swings were damaged after misuse by non-disabled children.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, all incidents of anti-social behaviour have been logged with Humberside Police.

The council spokesperson added: "The handrail gas springs, which are essentially shock absorbers, were smashed off.

"Before that damage occurred, groups of up to seven young people were reportedly seen on the swings, despite the signs making it clear they are for young people with disabilities."

The authority also appealed to parents and carers to remind children to respect equipment.

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