'˜Mindless destruction' of memorial benches at Bakewell park

Heartless vandals have damaged a number of memorial benches in Bakewell - dumping two in the river.

The damage took place over the weekend at Bakewell Recreation Ground, when the offenders ripped benches from their stone bases before throwing two of them in the river.

Parks staff from Derbyshire Dales District Council, which runs the park, are now assessing the damage but fear some of the wooden benches may be beyond repair.

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A council spokesperson said: “This is mindless destruction and if anyone has any information about the damage we would urge them to call police direct, or if they prefer, contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“A dog walker who reported the damage to us on Sunday said it was heartbreaking to see what vandals had done to such a beautifully maintained park.”

Anyone with information on the damage swhould call Derbyshire police on 101, quoting incident 222 of August 7.

The district council, which doesn’t have contact details for every family that has donated memorial benches to the park, is asking anyone with concerns to contact parks officer Helen Carrington on 01629 761392.