MP calls for meeting after Denton bandstand set alight in latest bout of vandalism

Denton MP Andrew Gwynne has reacted with anger after a spate of vandalism incidents in Victoria Park over recent weeks.

Last night [Monday 20 January] a fire was lit in the bandstand and the bowling hut has also recently been vandalised. This is in addition to arson attacks on the bowling green over recent months.

Gwynne MP has called a meeting with Tameside Council officers, local councillors, the police and the bowling club for this Friday [24 January] to try and find a solution to stop the vandalism from happening.

Gwynne MP said: “Victoria Park is the jewel in Denton’s crown and has suffered very little vandalism over the years but in recent weeks the bowling hut has been vandalised and several fires have been lit on the Grade II listed bandstand.

“Tameside Council has now agreed to start locking the park gates at night, as they used to several years ago. They’re also considering employing a security presence in the coming days.

“However I want a long-term solution to this problem which is why I will be convening a meeting this Friday between council officers, the local councillors, the police and the bowling club to see what measures can be actioned to protect the park and restore it once more to the pride of Denton.”Speaking on behalf of her fellow Denton North East councillors Vincent Ricci and Allison Gwynne, Councillor Denise Ward said:

“Victoria Park has long been the hub of family gatherings in Denton, with the Community Centre and the bowling green, bringing our communities together.

“It saddens me to see the anti-social behaviour by a small group that is spoiling this community centre.

“With my ward colleagues, and our MP Andrew Gwynne, we will work with the authorities to bring peace once again to Victoria Park.”

Picture courtesy of Andy Robertson