Dear Vandal
My name is Rhiane, and I live and play in the area that you and your friends vandalise.

You make me feel very sad and angry when you destroy all around you. Our area already has a name for itself and that’s down to you and your friends and other people like you. You break things, draw on buildings, break windows, leave your beer cans all over and ruin our parks so we can’t play on the swings and slides. You don’t see the damage to other children and people when you do these things. We could cut ourselves on the needles we see lying around; when you smash houses up, some children could go in and electrocute themselves. There is not only a danger to people but also to animals. I‘m asking you if you could stop vandalising this area because people could hurt themselves. You make the place very untidy. Why should we put up with the mess you make? It could be a clean and safe place to live.

Rhianne Mitchell
Aged 11years.

Editorial
As Rhiane’s letter points out, there have been several incidents recently, occuring in Victoria Mill Park. All the lights have been broken, there has been considerable damage to trees, and attempts to steal the gates from the sports area. And even more seriously, there has been an incident with an air rifle. These things can be replaced but there is not a bottomless pit of money available. However, incidents involving guns cannot be tolerated. All the agencies in the area are aware of the problems. Groundwork haven’t disappeared because the park is finished, they are trying to tackle anti-social behaviour to keep improving the area, but it can’t be done without the help of local residents. If something needs reporting, please do just that! If an incident is urgent you can contact your community police officers who are: P.C. Jo Taylor and P.C. Paul Pilkington. Their number is 856 3927 Collyhurst Police Station. If they are not available you can leave a message and they will contact you. All calls will be in confidence.

If you feel you can’t ring the police, but need to tell somebody about what is going on, you can contact Jason Brindle at Groundwork on 237 5656. They will pass information on to the police on your behalf.

The area is beginning to change for the better. We cannot let a few mindless, selfish people stop our progress.

Focus Campaigner Marc Ramsbottom saw the damage at Victoria Mill Park and said. “It is sad that the actions of a few vandals spoil the enjoyment of children and local residents. We must make sure we stamp out vandalism such as this, that spoils our neighbourhood.”

Rhys Davies, team leader at Miles Platting Housing Office says “We cannot allow a few individuals to ruin something like the new park for the rest of us. If you see vandalism or know something, please contact the housing office. Your details will not be disclosed to anyone else without your permission.”