Anger at Burgess park vandalism

A prominent park in Athlone is being blighted by disgraceful outbreaks of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, a local resident has stated. These photographs, taken at Burgess Park on Monday, clearly illustrate the imprint such activities are leaving on the otherwise scenic location by the River Shannon. The images show clusters of beer cans and broken bottles which were recently discarded in the area. Numerous young trees, which were planted there in recent years, have been damaged or cut down by vandals. In addition several wooden posts - which were put in place to support the growth of trees - have been uprooted and used as firewood for bonfires in the park. A local resident who contacted the Westmeath Independent said Athlone Town Council had done great work in developing Burgess Park but was now having its efforts thwarted by individuals who were arranging "drinking parties" and lighting fires there. "The park is a fantastic amenity right on our doorstep so it's an absolute shame to see stuff like this happen," said the local resident, who didn't wish to be named. "The council put so much money into the park. It should be the perfect place to go for a walk, but when parents with young kids see the broken beer bottles and anti-social behaviour they're not likely to come back." In addition, he said, parts of the park had become no-go areas after dark. While he was not singling out the council for criticism, he said it was important that littering in the park was cleaned up once it had occurred. "I realise that it's difficult to police something like this. I don't know what the answer is but I wanted to create awareness of it," he said.