VILLAGE councillors have come up with an unusual way of stopping their play park being vandalised – they are considering fining anyone over 14 who enters.
Staindrop Parish Council is considering changing bylaws following a spate of vandalism. The council has had to pay hundreds of pounds to replace parts for equipment and has sincemet with police and a county officer about the issue.
The play park had been closed for several years after it was attacked by yobs but was reopened three years ago after major reinvestment. But new rules could mean over-14s risk a £500 fine unless they are looking after a child.
Parish clerk Tom Bolton told councillors at their last meeting that the police felt Staindrop’s vandalism problem was not as bad as some other areas. But he added: “Nevertheless every time there is vandalism there is a cost associated with replacing bits, let alone any safety issues.”
Councillors were told that the process of changing bylaws, which previously involved ministerial consultation, had been changed in 2016 making it easier for parish councils to make amendments. Mr Bolton said there may be a benefit to the parish council in changing the playground’s bylaws.
Mr Bolton added: “A 13-year-old in the old bylaws refers to the age of people in the playground using apparatus.
“The new bylaws say that no person aged 14 years or over shall enter, or remain in, a designated area which is a children’s play area, unless in charge of a child under the age of 14 years.
“So there is a subtle difference. They shouldn’t go in at all if they are over the age of 14.”
Mr Bolton explained that anyone who ignores the bylaws would be committing a level two offence and could be liable for a £500 fine.
Staindrop Parish Council agreed to look into the process of changing the bylaws.
Mr Bolton added that the parts needed to repair the vandalised equipment had been ordered but had not yet been delivered.
