Vandalism at Horwoods Farm angers community and Ward 18 councillor

Another instance of vandalism this month at Horwoods Farm has raised alarm and concern among the community and Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart.

She said vandals smeared faeces on the wall of the public bathroom, and left bones and glass in the park, and suspects the incident, the second in several months, occurred after this month’s Horwoods Farm Family Market.

At the end of June, offensive graffiti describing rape and sexual assault in explicit detail was brought to Hart’s attention by a concerned mother and community member who discovered it at the park.

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“As a community, we take care of and are proud of our park. “We want this to be the best park in the city, a place where community members can come and enjoy themselves,” said Hart.

However, she said it is always the few who spoil it for the many.

“Whoever smeared the faeces on the wall and left the mess behind is just not welcome if that is how they are going to behave. It’s impossible to say whether the culprits are from our community or from outside the area,” said Hart.

Hart emphasised that it takes an immense effort to maintain the park and keep it in good condition.

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“It is so disappointing to hear about this vandalism and lack of respect for the park. “I honestly don’t know what kind of person would do something like that. I really don’t know what impact they tried to make,” said Hart.

When asked whether the culprits could have been part of the homeless community, Hart said it was unlikely and that security personnel do a good job of keeping them out of the park.

Hart urged community members who use the park to treat it and its facilities with respect.

“When you come to the park, don’t litter. Use a bin or take your rubbish with you. “The park is for everyone to enjoy, so treat the facilities as if they were your own.”