After recent charges were laid against two teenagers in Young for the destruction of trees and plants around Young, local resident Bill Kearney has echoed community sentiment and spoken up about the high rate of vandalism around the town.
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“I and many others are sick and tired of the deliberate destruction of property by vandals,” he said. “The recent episode in Ripon Street and Carrington Park is the icing on the cake, enough is enough.”
Mr Kearney is sick of youths in the town wantonly destroying property that belongs to the community as a whole.
“We as a community are owners of this infrastructure and it is disappointing a small group see fit to destruct it,” he said.
Mr Kearney said he believes that all people responsible for vandalism in the community should be held accountable.
“Vandalism is present in our community in many forms including graffiti on buildings and fences, signs and signposts being bent or removed, trees being mutilated, rubbish being dropped or thrown from cars, pet droppings left on footpaths, garbage being placed in recycle bins.”
Mr Kearney isn’t only worried about the aesthetic cost to the community but the financial one too.
“To clean up or rectify this vandalism costs money,” he said. “If the police have the good fortune to find and apprehend those responsible then I would like to think the court system might set an appropriate penalty.”
Mr Kearney isn’t shy in letting his opinion on how those guilty should be punished either.
“How about after they repair the damage they spend a few days in a cage or in stocks outside the courthouse or town hall,” he said.
Hilltops Council Administrator Wendy Tuckerman said Young is renowned for its parks, gardens and floral streetscapes.
“It’s disappointing when inconsiderate acts like this occur,” she said. A lot of work goes into creating and maintaining areas that residents and visitors can enjoy, and it’s a shame when the mindless actions of a very few spoil it for everyone.”