Work begins to repair Bute Park vandalism as more details revealed about 'tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage'

Work has begun to repair Bute Park in Cardiff after it was targeted by "mindless" vandals who caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The much-loved park was subject to a "dark and sinister" attack of vandalism on the night of September 9, in which more than 50 trees were destroyed, plants, planters, and manhole covers were broken and bins were ripped from the concrete.

On September 18, hundreds of people took part in a march to reclaim the park in what was described by organiser and cafe owner Melissa Boothman as a "friendly show of solidarity and resistance" and a "positive counteraction" to the vandalism.

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While the police investigation is still ongoing, restoration work is now underway in the park, with Cardiff council leader Huw Thomas thanking residents who turned out to show their support at the weekend.

"It was really heart-warming to see so many people come out to show their support for the park, and for all the work our parks teams and our volunteers do every day, making it the beautiful, green, jewel in Cardiff's crown," he said.

"Following the serious vandalism committed there, Cardiff Council parks teams have been working hard to make safe and repair the damage while working with the police and supporting those affected by the crime."

"Tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage has been done, however, teams have made progress to begin to repair the park."

Plants were torn up and over 50 trees were destroyed in the attack (Cardiff Council)

Bins were also ripped up from the concrete and dumped (Cardiff Council)

The works already carried out at the park include:

• The works required to make the space safe for residents to continue to visit and enjoy the park
• All of the vandalised planters have been restored, with ongoing planting work.
• Litter bins have been reinstated.
• Damaged signposts have been recovered and will be put back in place shortly.
• Stone Masons are being invited to the site to inspect and quote for repairs to the stonework damaged on Lady Bute's Bridge.
• Repairs to the fibre optic cables have been completed. Internet was restored to the buildings and the duct cover has been replaced.
• The Blackweir changing rooms that were burglarised and damaged have been made safe with new doors and locks.

"I know the whole city was saddened and upset by this mindless vandalism so it was great to see such support for the park," added Cllr Thomas. "We want everyone to know they should not let what has happened put them off coming to the park and enjoying all its beauty."

Last weekend saw hundreds of people take part in a march to reclaim the park (Mark Lewis)

Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, Cllr Peter Bradbury, said: "I'd like thank everyone for all their support as we work to reclaim Bute Park. We're overwhelmed with the community response and it's great to see everyone pull together in the face of such terrible acts of vandalism.

"Community spirit has been talked about a lot during the pandemic, so it's great to see all the support for Bute Park and our parks teams. Our teams have been working round the clock to repair what they can and to assess the full extent of the damage.

"The police investigation is on-going and the team continue to contribute information while the CCTV footage is reviewed. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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