Wingecarribee Shire Council is calling for information from residents who may have witnessed any persons damaging the public facilities in Bowral’s Corbett Gardens and Moss Vale’s Leighton Gardens.

Council’s Supervisor of Parks and Open Spaces Guy Stearn said incidents were becoming more frequent.

“The Australia Day long weekend was one recent example where we had to call staff out to clean rubbish strewn about the interior of the Corbett Gardens toilet block,” he said.

“Sadly this isn’t an isolated act and incidents of deliberate damage to our public facilities are becoming more frequent.”

Other acts of vandalism requiring attention in the popular Bowral Park in recent weeks include repairs to broken pickets, replacement of broken lights and pavers and the removal of graffiti.

Moss Vale’s Leighton Gardens has also required repairs with thousands of dollars of damage wreaked on the park’s pop-up irrigation system.

“While it’s not uncommon to find some sort of damage to the gardens, it’s becoming increasingly frustrating for staff who are constantly being called back to clean up malicious damage,” Guy said.

“We’ve even had some of our staff approached and abused while cleaning up the mess.

“What these vandals don’t realise is that by diverting staff away to clean up and repair their damage, we’re not able to concentrate on upgrades or new community projects.”

“It takes the team away from other duties and ultimately costs the entire community to mend this senseless damage.

“I’d ask the persons responsible to think about the consequences of their actions and the cost to the community,” Guy said.

“Our shire is renowned for having some of the prettiest parks in the region and we’d like it to stay that way.

“There’s absolutely no excuse for this type of behaviour.”

Anyone witnessing any suspicious activity within Leighton or Corbett Gardens, including the adjacent Senior Citizens building, are urged to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Wingecarribee Shire Council on 4868 0888.