Locals have been left ‘absolutely horrified’ after a senseless act of vandalism took place in a Cumnock kids’ park this weekend.
Residents discovered the remnants of burnt out swings at Woodroad Park, believed to have taken place on Saturday, November 7.
It comes after growing concern over antisocial behaviour in the area.
Michael Mcpake, a member of Cumnock Community Council, said: “Before, there were two chains hanging down from the swing in separate pieces but when I went up, only one was still standing and the other was burnt out.
“People are absolutely horrified. Last weekend was a nightmare here. People are really sick to death of the vandalism but what has been done to the kiddies play area is terrible.
“Last year they chopped the picnic benches to bits and put a match to them but this time they’ve targeted the inside soft play area.
“It’s mayhem and it’s only growing and growing.”
The local man praised the actions of the police in responding to the disturbance, and said that extra cops were drafted in from as far away as Glasgow to deal with the troublemakers.
He continued: “They’re doing a great job and this time took a no nonsense approach.
“There are people out there buying these kids drink, not just a wee bit but seriously supplying them with booze, so kids are drinking from the ages of 12 up.
“Teenagers get tanked up and come back into the town centre. I’ve been told some come from as far as Mauchline and Kilmarnock.
“The park is used by mothers and toddlers and other groups. This vandalism is the last straw.”
Michael stresses that there are plenty of good kids in the area, but says many locals share his view that things have escalated.
He said: “Kids will be kids but there is an element there that’s totally out of control. People in Cumnock do care but they simply are powerless.
“Ninety-nine per cent of people are horrified at the weekend’s antics.
“But there’s a tremendous amount of kids out there that are really nice and intelligent.
“Not all kids are bad.”
As part of Cumnock police’s strategy, Operation Ellipse, high visibility patrols, including officers on quad bikes, are ongoing in Cumnock and neighbouring villages.
Sergeant Ryan Todd from Cumnock Locality Policing team said: “We are aware that youths are travelling into the area from other villages so we are patrolling and engaging with young people.
“One issue is the sale of alcohol to underage young people and we are working with partners from East Ayrshire Council’s Licensing team, the Corporate Enforcement Unit and Vibrant Communities as well as YIP world staff.”
Locality Policing Inspector Ian Harvey said: “We will take enforcement action where we have to and will continue, in the coming days and weeks, to patrol these areas.
“We will also be contacting a number of parents and carers whose children have come to our attention.”
So far, a number of young people under the influence of alcohol have been taken home by officers.
Two adults have been charged with buying alcohol for minors and the council have given out five Acceptable Behaviour Contracts for high offending youths.
A joint warning letter issued by East Ayrshire Police and East Ayrshire Council has been delivered to parents.
Seven male youths have been charged with housebreaking, culpable and reckless conduct involving a firework and assault.
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