ALTON Town Council has reiterated its policy of zero tolerance on vandalism.
It is urging members of the public to report anyone seen vandalising council property to the town clerk and warns that it will prosecute.
Speaking at last weekÕs recreation committee meeting, deputy town mayor John Smith stressed that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated in Alton and that the council was committed to stamping it out.
ÒWe must not let vandals get away with things that undermine the service we are giving,Ó he said.
Backed by fellow councillors, it was a message of solidarity made in response to a record of vandalism to town council property throughout the year 2001.
While the level of damage had been described as Òfairly small beerÓ it was still Òunacceptable and potentially damaging,Ó said Mr Smith.
During a discussion on the issue, particular attention was drawn to two particularly irresponsible incidents on the Greenfields amenity site when locks were smashed and gates left open enabling cattle to escape.
These incidents had been reported to the police, as they could have endangered the lives of the animals concerned and resulted in damage to neighbouring property.
It was felt that they may have been carried out by people who felt the site should be open for the sole benefit of public use and should not be used to graze cattle. Councillors urged anyone with this view to take the matter up with them and not try taking matters into their own hands.
Another incident involved vandalism at the Jubilee skatepark during a temporary closure to facilitate repairs. Despite a notice explaining the situation, it appeared that there were some who were not prepared to listen to reason and wait until the offending item of equipment had been made safe.
The unnecessary cost involved in repair work following acts of vandalism such as this have not yet been drawn up but councillors were adamant, they would not be tolerated.