Anger after play park vandalised in Port Elphinstone
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Vandals have scrawled offensive comments across a local play park in Port Elphinstone and covered the children's slide in white paint.
The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning when it was first noticed.
Police Scotland have confirmed they are investigating the incident: “We have received reports of vandalism to a playpark in the Elphinstone Road area of Port Elphinstone, which is believed to have taken place between Wednesday, March 10 and Thursday, March 11.
“Inquiries into the matter are ongoing.”
Inverurie councillor Lesley Berry said: "The acts of vandalism at Port Elphinestone was mindless, thoughtless and far short of the sort of behaviour we expect from our residents.
"We have a collective responsibility to look after our assets, particularly ones used by our youngest residents.
"I would plead that everyone involved, or anyone who knows who was involved, comes forward to the Police and take responsibility for their actions."
Fellow councillor Neil Baillie also expressed his disappointment after learning of the incident.
He said: “I am obviously disappointed in the action here of vandalism and we are assured that the police are investigating.
“I am very, very disappointed and of course the investigation will explore what can be done.
“We are in a situation where we don’t want to spend unnecessary money.
“Everybody has been feeling the frustration from lockdown and as a council, we are constantly focused on the pandemic itself without having to have this unnecessary additional situation to deal with which is the inresponsibility of individuals.
“It is extremely disappointing.”
Urging people to get in touch with the police if they know anything about the incident, councillor Marion Ewenson said: "It is very offensive in nature and will be dealt with as soon as possible but I would just ask that the public contact the Police by phoning 101 with any information they may have.
"Someone may have come home with paint on their clothes and hands for no apparent reason."
MSP Gillian Martin said: "I'm absolutely disgusted
"Graffiti is bad enough on it's own, it's disgraceful, but my goodness - that kind of graffiti in the place we live - is absolutely intolerable."
Fellow MSP Alexander Burnett, said: “The graffiti which has been painted at the playpark is absolutely disgusting and quite simply appalling.
“There is no place for racism - no one should have to face that wherever they are let alone at an area which young children use.
“It’s sickening to think someone could do this while also vandalising the play equipment itself.
“I hope the person responsible for this terrible act is caught and I would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident to get in touch with the police immediately.”
