Vandals condemned after smashing East Park bandstand and decorative wall

Heartless vandals have been slammed by City of Wolverhampton Council after causing extensive damage to the historic bandstand at East Park.

They smashed a substantial area of the flooring of the bandstand with further damage caused to the surrounding railings.

The bandstand is a rare surviving example of a Victorian cast iron bandstand and is an original feature from the park’s opening in 1896.

Vandals also toppled the balustrades from a decorative wall near to the splash pad during the same incident.

The attack happened during the evening of Thursday 29 October and has been reported to West Midlands Police. Anyone with information is asked to please call 101 and quote crime reference number 20/426868/26.

The affected areas have been secured with fencing and made safe. The council will now look into how to best fund and carry out repairs.

East Park has been a target for vandals in recent weeks, with damage previously being caused to the railings as well as some earlier impact to the floorboards of the bandstand.

As a result of the latest attack, officers are working closely with police and neighbourhood safety co-ordinators to provide information and evidence of recent incidents.

The council is asking residents to please take care when visiting the park and not to climb on the safety fencing.

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for resident services, said: “This was an absolutely disgraceful act by vandals. We strongly condemn their selfish and heartless actions and we will do everything we can to work with police and identify the culprits.

“East Park is a much loved green space for our local residents and the council will look at every route we have available to find funding to repair this costly damage. We will need to make sure any replacements match the existing design and materials to protect the historic character and appearance of East Park.

“We are aware that the safety fencing isn’t very in keeping with the park surroundings, but it is there to keep the bandstand protected and people safe. We would ask residents to please respect the fenced off areas for their own safety.

“I would urge anyone with information about this thoughtless crime to contact West Midlands Police with details. This is completely unacceptable damage to a beautiful and popular park.”