Birtley Swimming Centre suffers serious vandalism
Birtley Swimming Centre has now reopened after vandals caused serious damage to windows, doors and fire safety equipment on Saturday 2 April.
This is the third time the swimming centre has been targeted in less than a month. It happened just one day after windows and doors were replaced after being smashed during the previous attacks.
Due to the extent of the damage caused and the work involved in making the building safe again, the swimming centre had to remain closed until this afternoon (Wednesday 6 April).
Andy Graham, Service Director for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Our staff have spent the last few days cleaning up, removing glass from the pool and making sure the building is safe for visitors. This has been a huge undertaking and it's extremely disheartening for them to have to do this again within such a short space of time.
Not only have the vandals prevented access to the pools for the general public, we have also had to cancel school swimming and swimming lessons. This mindless destruction has not only caused huge disruption for our local communities, but it will also cost the Council thousands of pounds at a time when every penny counts."
A number of other buildings in the area were also vandalised during the same evening. Gateshead Council is working with Northumbria Police and other partners to address anti-social behaviour and take action against those responsible. Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to report what they know using the police's Report a crime webpage or by calling 101.
Andy continued: "We usually see an increase in antisocial behaviour across our communities at this time of year, as the weather improves and groups gather outdoors. Most of the time, incidents like this happen because of boredom, or because young people are trying to impress their mates - and they don't realise the impact of their actions.
Parents, please talk to your kids and help them understand that vandalism is not just a bit of fun. It can have serious repercussions for them, their families and their friends as forced closures and having to use the Council's limited funds for repairs affects everyone."
The swimming centre is now open as usual, although the smashed windows and doors remain boarded up and will be replaced soon.
Birtley Swimming Centre has now reopened after vandals caused serious damage to windows, doors and fire safety equipment on Saturday 2 April.
This is the third time the swimming centre has been targeted in less than a month. It happened just one day after windows and doors were replaced after being smashed during the previous attacks.
Due to the extent of the damage caused and the work involved in making the building safe again, the swimming centre had to remain closed until this afternoon (Wednesday 6 April).
Andy Graham, Service Director for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Our staff have spent the last few days cleaning up, removing glass from the pool and making sure the building is safe for visitors. This has been a huge undertaking and it's extremely disheartening for them to have to do this again within such a short space of time.
Not only have the vandals prevented access to the pools for the general public, we have also had to cancel school swimming and swimming lessons. This mindless destruction has not only caused huge disruption for our local communities, but it will also cost the Council thousands of pounds at a time when every penny counts."
A number of other buildings in the area were also vandalised during the same evening. Gateshead Council is working with Northumbria Police and other partners to address anti-social behaviour and take action against those responsible. Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to report what they know using the police's Report a crime webpage or by calling 101.
Andy continued: "We usually see an increase in antisocial behaviour across our communities at this time of year, as the weather improves and groups gather outdoors. Most of the time, incidents like this happen because of boredom, or because young people are trying to impress their mates - and they don't realise the impact of their actions.
Parents, please talk to your kids and help them understand that vandalism is not just a bit of fun. It can have serious repercussions for them, their families and their friends as forced closures and having to use the Council's limited funds for repairs affects everyone."
The swimming centre is now open as usual, although the smashed windows and doors remain boarded up and will be replaced soon.
