LOVE Lane skate park is being targeted by vandals and the half pipe ramp is turning into a den for would-be arsonists, according to Petersfield Town Council's grounds officer. In a report submitted to town councillors last week, Peter Jones said lower panels on one of the park features had been kicked in, making it possible for people to get inside. The report said: "It is obvious that it has been used as a 'den' and I am also worried that it may become attractive to would-be arsonists - I have issued an order for repairs to be carried out as soon as possible." Mr Jones, the maintenance and contracts officer, later told The Herald he believed skateboarders were not to blame. He said: "I'm sure it isn't the skateboarding guys who regularly cause the damage. They are really interested in the park's upkeep. "But unfortunately vandalism always happens. There has been deliberate damage around the half pipe and some of the waste bins have been kicked in. "It is something we are concerned about and are looking to fix." The vandalism is the latest in a string of problems in the area, which has also seen fly- tipping and littering. And Mr Jones said residents have made complaints about people running through the hedges next to the park and into their gardens. He added: "These problems are becoming a constant drain on resources. The half pipe is getting to the end of its life and we are forever spending money on it. "I think that money would be better spent on buying new equipment, or perhaps leasing it.
