Fencing plan to curb vandalism
Fencing could be added to a Stourbridge park bowling green to protect it from repeated damage.
Wollescote Park bowling green has suffered a number of attacks including damage to the playing surface.
The vandal attacks have left the green unplayable.
Dudley Council has put forward a number of options for the site for the Ernest Stevens Trust Management including fencing.
The committee is due to meet later this month to discuss the issues and consider the proposals.
Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for public realm, said:
It’s very frustrating that we have had these issues with anti-social behaviour at the park which must be frustrating for bowling green members and other park users.
We have been looking at what options we have for the site and this report to the Ernest Stevens Trust Management team will help them make an informed decision about how to protect the site.
In the meantime, if people see anyone deliberately damaging the green they should inform the police. This is ultimately costing taxpayers money to put it right.
The green is also being used for unauthorised football games which damages the surface and there have been issues with motorbikes accessing the site.
Three options are being put to the committee including a 2.5metre high heritage style fence, which would incorporate the front lawn and limit access to the hall or a 1.8metre high bow top style fence around the perimeter of the bowling green. A third option of a 0.9metre high bow top style fence around the perimeter of the bowling green is also being proposed.
The cost of the options ranges from £16,000 to £125,000 and would also need to take into account any potential impact on the park’s listed building and may require planning approval. Funding opportunities will also need to be identified.
The committee is due to meet on October 28 to discuss the options.