Ayrshire: Vandalism spike as beauty spots in Largs targeted

Yobs have smashed up items at Douglas Park and damaged a building and daubed graffiti at the Mackerston putting green.

Fascia from the guttering at the side of the putting green building has been pulled down while doors, air ducts and electricity boxes have been covered in graffiti. 

A Morrison's supermarket trolley has been thrown into the nearby Gogo Burn.

And on Wednesday morning the News was told of further vandalism at Douglas Park, which has been revived by community volunteers.

a Douglas Park Project spokeswoman said: "We are sad to say that we have experienced a mindless act of vandalism this week.

"The slabs, wooden box and guttering system that enables the burn to run through the back of the park and down the small waterfall has been smashed to pieces .

"This is a deliberate act and will have required more than one person.

"We will be reporting this to the local police. If any one has any information please pass it to them. This is the third time this week that the structure has been tampered with, but the most destructive.

"Please remember we are volunteers and doing our best to maintain the park, keep it safe and a pleasant environment for everyone to enjoy."

The Mackerston putting green damage was described as "very disappointing" - happening after a new operator took on the facility in the summer.

North Coast councillor Tom Marshall said: "It is very unfortunate. The seafront in Largs has been very lucky in that it has escaped any real vandalism over the years so this is something that is most unwelcome - and something I have immediately reported to North Ayrshire Council as we don't want to see this kind of thing worsen.

"I am a great believer in the US 'broken windows' theory that if one broken window in a building is left and not fixed, it will encourage vandals to break other windows in the same building.

"Although it is difficult to prevent vandalism, as it often happens at night, one of the real problems is that there is no regular police presence in the town - and then, in the event that they do get caught and taken to the Children's Panel, they only get a slap on the wrists. 

"It is disappointing to see the trolley in the burn as well.

"It is sad to see all these issues in Largs, especially given we have had the problems with the car fires in Charles Street, and a broken window in May Street too, as well as various other incidents around the town."

In Millport the seafront shelter has also been targeted with graffiti - not for the first time this year - while a bus shelter in West Kilbride was replaced last week after it was covered in graffiti.

Largs community councillor Andy Adair said he often sees large group of youths walking about the town at night 'with nothing to do' - and said that the sooner that there was a community centre and more facilities to help young people, the better.

Andy Adair (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Adair said: "It is disappointing to see such mindless vandalism. There used to be places like Helter Skelter teenage cafe, but there isn't so much for children to do at night, and the last thing we want to see is this kind of vandalism in the area."

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We are disappointed that such antisocial activities take place and impact on our communities. We will address the property issues as soon as possible.

“Our Streetscene team has contacted the supermarket that has responsibility for collecting the trolley, and graffiti removal will be scheduled.

“We are reviewing the position regarding the putting green for next year, and for the longer term, and aim to share our proposals in the new year.”