A councillor has told Edinburgh Live how she has been inundated with complaints about the treatment of a vandal-hit Edinburgh Park.
Cllr Ashley Graczyk said she was 'absolutely horrified' at how the green space has been trashed, with yobs setting fire to the park.
Even the children's play area is no longer safe, with reports of smashed glass being left behind at the popular park shared by residents of Sighthill, Broomhouse and Parkhead.
Cllr Ashley Graczyk, an Independent MSP Candidate for Lothian, said: "Recently, I have received many complaints from residents in Sighthill, Broomhouse and Parkhead area regarding vandals targeting Sighthill Park in Edinburgh.
"I went to Sighthill Park to see for myself and was absolutely horrified at what I saw. Edinburgh's popular Sighthill Park has been subject to a spate of senseless vandalism which has seen the local green space, community woodlands and even the children’s play area targeted.
"Vandals have been setting fire on park grounds and in the community woodlands area, damaging the trees and wildlife."
There have been reports of dogs being injured after stepping on smashed glass left at the park and there are now fears that a child could be seriously hurt.
She added: "Glass bottles have been deliberately smashed up in the community woodlands where I have received many complaints from local dog owners, some even had their pets taken to the vet due to glass cuts in their paws; there was even smashed glass at the children’s play area entrance, where children often play – thankfully, no children have been hurt yet.
"It is just awful to see these acts of vandalism happen in our well-loved and public owned park. This is immensely upsetting and disheartening for the local community who love and use this beautiful green space.
"It is also disappointing for the City of Edinburgh Council officers who have put so much work into this community asset for the enjoyment of all."
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Now there are calls for more community police patrols in the area to try and prevent further damage, with Edinburgh City Council told to remove burnt debris and broken glass from the area.
Anyone with an interest in helping to maintain the park is being encouraged to join the Sighthill Woodlands project.
Police Scotland said: "Enquiries are continuing into a number of incidents including, vandalisms and ASB, within Sighthill Park, Edinburgh."
