20.09.2021

Cardiff Council leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, has thanked residents who turned out to show their support for Bute Park after thousands of pounds of damage was caused by vandals.

Cllr Thomas said: "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.

"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, including:

• 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 on-going planting work.
• Litter bins have been reinstated.
• Damaged sign posts have been recovered and will be put back in place shortly.
• Stone Masons are being invited to site to inspect and quote for repairs to the stonework damaged on Lady Bute's Bridge.
• Repairs to thefiber 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. We want everyone to know they should not let what has happened put them off coming to the park and enjoying all its beauty."
 

Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, Cllr Peter Bradbury, added:"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."