Hamilton playpark closed because of vandalism

Dec 20 2012 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

A Hamilton playpark re-opened last weekend after being closed by vandalism.

A bridge linking two tower structures in the Hamilton Palace Grounds playpark was deliberately damaged.

It closed earlier this month for repairs.

South Lanarkshire Council officials padlocked the park, near the Cadzow Burn and put up notices warning that the equipment threatened health and safety.

A spokesman for the authority said: “The Palace Grounds play area was closed following the discovery of significant vandalism to the bridge that connects the two main towers.

“We were unable to isolate this equipment and the play area required to be closed until repairs could be made.

“Specialist parts to repair the damage, consisting of steel cable, rubber stoppers and wooden rails were ordered immediately.”

Repairs were carried out last Friday and the play area re-opened that day.

The park has climbing frames and chutes and is popular with children from across Hamilton.

It closed for three months in 2011 after officials discovered that some of the equipment was worn and potentially dangerous.

In 2009 ,the park was closed after a nearby sewer ruptured.

And in 2003 and 2004, the Advertiser reported that the playpark had been temporarily closed following an infestation of rats from the Cadzow Burn.

Parents reacted angrily to the decisions to close the park.