Basingstoke ObserverWHILST many enjoyed Jubilee celebrations across the borough, Chineham residents were disappointed to be faced with piles of litter in the park after an event.
One resident contacted us to share her despair saying: “It was such a lovely day when people of all ages came together to create a real community event and I am disgusted that there was so much litter left behind, Most people attending the event were local so it could easily have taken their rubbish home with them. It has left a sour taste.”
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council addressed the matter on their Facebook page stating: “ It was wonderful to see our communities spending time together and enjoying the jubilee celebrations over the bank holiday weekend. However we were really disappointed to find this large pile of rubbish left behind after an event at Chineham Park on Thursday.
The rubbish included food, broken glass, opened cans and three knives. The knife with the red handle was found inside the splash pad park, where it could have caused significant harm to children using the play area.
If you are using our public or community space to hold a community event – please be responsible. Take your litter and all other rubbish home. Litter is unsightly and potentially dangerous to our communities and wildlife. The message is simple - Leave no trace in our public space.”
There was further distress for Chineham residents as the new toilet facilities have been vandalised again sparking concern.
Confirming the vandalism, a spokesperson for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said: “We are extremely disappointed to announce that there has been more vandalism to the toilet and changing facilities at the splash pad in Chineham Park. Nearly a week ago we sourced and installed a brand new portable disabled toilet and changing unit to replace the previous one that was destroyed by vandals. Unfortunately we will now be removing this new facility after mindless vandals again set fire to it, destroying it.
In light of the repeated targeting of this facility over such a short period of time, we are exploring alternative options for those young families who use this site. This will take time and we ask users for their patience and understanding. We have reported this incident to the police.”
