Vandals damage boardwalk at Newmillerdam
The Council is
calling on the public to report any information to the Police after vandals
caused damage at Newmillerdam Country Park last weekend.
A serious fire has caused significant damage to the boardwalk, viewing platform
and the bridge across the stream. The ferocity of the fire has also damaged
several nearby trees.
Cllr Maureen
Cummings, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities,
said: “This is an absolutely appalling act of mindless vandalism which will
cause lasting damage to the park. The fire has destroyed local wildlife, badly
damaged several trees and has spoiled this area of the park for visitors.
“Our parks are fantastic places to visit and it is shocking that anyone would
cause such damage. I do want to remind people that it is a relatively small
area of the park that has been affected and Newmillerdam is open and available
for visitors to enjoy. We are working with the friends group to repair the
damage caused.
“It has been reported to the Police and we ask anyone with any information to
contact them on 101.”
Unfortunately this isn’t the first time the boardwalk has been targeted. A fire
was also deliberately started at Newmillerdam in 2016, completely destroying
the boardwalk and viewing platform. The Friends of Newmillerdam rebuilt the
boardwalk and viewing platform at a cost of £6,000.