Calderdale Council is taking further action to secure the pavilion in Shroggs Park in Halifax, after it was broken into recently.
The pavilion has been locked and secured with fencing whilst it has been out of use for the last few months. An inspection of the building last weekfound that the padlock had been cut off and the front door was open.
The Council is covering all the windows and doors with metal sheeting and security screws to ensure public safety, protect the pavilion and prevent further unauthorised access.
Cllr Silvia Dacre, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
“It is extremely disappointing to see a valued community asset vandalised. The building is already in poor condition, and our priority is to keep people safe and to protect the building for possible future use.
“People visiting the park will see new security measures at the pavilion. We want to reassure them that this is for safety reasons in response to the recent break-in, and is not part of any wider plans for the building as no decisions have yet been made about its future.”
Cllr Jenny Lynn, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, added:
“We are committed to the future of Shroggs Park, as we know how much local people value the facilities for their health and wellbeing.
“We’re delighted to be working with community groups to plan a range of improvements throughout the park, including possible options for bringing the pavilion back into use, which will be led by the local people who know it best.”