Vandals Condemned After Smashing East Park Bandstand and Decorative Wall
East Park in Wolverhampton suffers significant damage to its historic bandstand and railings, with police appealing for information.
By Aisha Mahmood
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of a damaged bandstand surrounded by safety fencing.
Vandals have caused significant damage to the historic bandstand and a decorative wall in Wolverhampton's East Park, prompting condemnation from the council and an appeal for information from the police.
A substantial area of the bandstand's flooring was smashed, with further damage caused to the surrounding railings. The bandstand, a rare surviving example of a Victorian cast iron structure, is an original feature from the park’s opening in 1896. During the same incident, vandals also toppled balustrades from a decorative wall near the splash pad.
The attack occurred on the evening of Thursday, 28 October, and has been reported to West Midlands Police. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference number 20/426868/26. The affected areas have been secured with fencing for safety, and the council will now assess how best to fund and carry out repairs.
East Park has been a target for vandals in recent weeks, with previous damage to railings and the bandstand's floorboards. Officers are working with police and neighbourhood safety co-ordinators to provide information and evidence of recent incidents.
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"This was an absolutely disgraceful act by vandals. We strongly condemn their selfish and heartless actions and we will do everything we can to work with police and identify the culprits."
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"East Park is a much loved green space for our local residents and the council will look at every route we have available to find funding to repair this costly damage. We will need to make sure any replacements match the existing design and materials to protect the historic character and appearance of East Park."
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"We are aware that the safety fencing isn’t very in keeping with the park surroundings, but it is there to keep the bandstand protected and people safe. We would ask residents to please respect the fenced off areas for their own safety."
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"I would urge anyone with information about this thoughtless crime to contact West Midlands Police with details. This is completely unacceptable damage to a beautiful and popular park."
