Vandals struck at a York park just days before a meeting was planned to improve the space.
The hooligans ransacked Hull Road Park, causing significant damage.
Parts of the allotments were ripped up and chucked across the tennis courts, raised flower beds were destroyed, and plant pots were thrown around the area.
News of the damage was shared to various Facebook pages, including ‘Friends of Melrosegate Field’ and the on-site cafe ‘Choose 2 Cafe‘ on 2 February.
Both posts were met with dismay from residents, questioning the intentions of the vandals.
“This is so horrible to see. All the volunteers work so hard to make it look nice. Mindless vandalism for absolutely no reason,” one said.
“Someone’s going to get hurt. Have some pride and care for your community. Makes me so angry.”
Some comments suggested introducing more lighting and cameras to the area.
Another Facebook user said: “It will continue until they start locking the park again. Or until the handful of feral offspring around here are brought under control which isn’t going to happen.”
Over the last couple of years, the rise in antisocial behaviour has been a cause for concern for residents.
Last March, a group of youths set waste bins and benches in the park on fire and a man walking his dog was attacked in the following August.
A petition ‘Restore Hull Road Park’s Beck to Its Former Glory’ was started by David Alexander in April last year.
It received over 600 signatures.
Improvements planned
David has lived alongside Hull Road Park for more than 40 years, and believes it has declined in that time.
“The beck in Hull Road Park used to be teeming with life. The weirs retained water which attracted ducks and other wildlife, creating an ecosystem that many generations enjoyed for many years. Now there is hardly any water left and no ducks to feed.”
The incidents that took place during 2024 encouraged many residents to get together and improve the area.
And luckily, work is about to begin to do just that.
Andrew Mortimer, Liberal Democrat candidate for Hull Road, has established a ‘Friends of Hull Road Park’ group.
Andrew had hoped to form the group for a number of years, but there wasn’t enough community support.
It’s set for an official launch this Saturday (8 February).
We have approached North Yorkshire Police for a comment regarding the vandalism, and will update the article accordingly.