December 13, 2007

Birkenhead bridge vandalised twice

The footbridge in Rangatira Reserve, Birkenhead, has been deliberately burnt and dismantled twice in the past fortnight.

The footbridge provides an important link for school students and pedestrians

North Shore City Council’s parks officer for Birkenhead-Northcote, Bob Wallace, says large holes were initially burnt in the decking of the bridge.

“Our contractors repaired the bridge last week after the initial attack, however earlier this week the bridge was struck again, with similar damage,” he says.

“The damage looked as though it had been carried out by someone who knew what they were doing.

“Rails have been sawn off and dropped in the stream, and the main structural bolts have been removed,” he says.

Beach Haven-Birkenhead community constable, Grant Kenny, says Police are investigating.

“We’re taking this incident very seriously due to the nature of the damage. In the dark someone could get badly hurt,” he says.

If you have any information regarding the vandalism of the footbridge in Rangatira Reserve, please phone Actionline on 486 8600 or the Glenfield Community Policing Centre on 353 0330.

ENDS

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