LAUREL CLOSE PLAY PARK RE-OPENED AFTER DEEP CLEANING FOLLOWING VANDALISM INCIDENT LAST FRIDAY

LAUREL CLOSE PLAY PARK FORCED TO CLOSE FROM 17/4 – 21/4 DUE TO DOG FOULING INCIDENT

Statement Updated at 10:00 on 22 April 2026

Parish Council Statement – Laurel Close Play Park Closure
The Parish Council was notified on Friday morning (17/04/2026) of an incident at Laurel Close Play Park involving dog faeces being deliberately spread around picnic tables and potentially other areas of the site.
Due to the serious health risks this presents, particularly to young children, the Parish Council has taken the precautionary decision to close the play park with immediate effect.

An external specialist cleaning company will be appointed to carry out a full deep clean and sanitisation of all affected areas and play equipment before the site can safely reopen.
At this stage, the Council is unable to confirm a reopening date but will provide updates as soon as arrangements are finalised and the work has been completed.
The Parish Council strongly condemns this irresponsible behaviour, which has caused disruption to families and the wider community. We apologise for the inconvenience caused, particularly to allotment holders who have to use this access to reach the allotments, and thank residents for their understanding while we take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of park users.
Anyone with information that may assist in identifying those responsible is encouraged to contact the Parish Council.

21/04/2026 Update at 10:00

The external cleaning has now been completed and pending grass cutting and a final ground check, we hope to be able to re-open the play park later today.

22/04/2026 Final Update

The Park is now open after a deep clean and grass cutting and we are in discussion with the Police regarding the incident.