Aug 13 2009 by Ronnie Parry, Flintshire Chronicle
Child injured after yobs leave smashed glass all over Cornist Park play area, Flint
A CHILD has been injured after ‘mindless morons’ scattered smashed bottles in a playing field sandpit and left shards of glass on a slide.
The incident happened in Flint's Cornist Park’s playing area on Saturday morning.
Ceri Williams, of The Nurseries, off Halkyn Road, her husband Mark, nine-year-old son Rhys and seven-year-old daughter Seren were shocked to discover broken bottles and cans strewn everywhere.
“We were busily clearing the mess when Seren was about to use the slide,” said Ceri.
“I shouted to my husband, but it happened so quickly. She ended up with cuts all over her back and legs from glass left at the bottom of the slide. We took her to Flint Hospital. She was covered in blood.”
Seren required two stitches in a leg wound.
Ceri added: “It could have cut her anywhere. She’s been frightened. A child shouldn’t have to think twice about using a playground.
“We collected five carrier bags full of glass and cans. A man told us there were gangs of youths loitering there on Friday night. There were bottles sunk into the sand. It’s done in a malicious way, that’s the sad part. They must know children are going to use these facilities.”
The incident has horrified Mayor of Flint Paul Cunningham, whose granddaughter also plays at the park.
“It’s undescribable what these mindless morons are doing,” said Cllr Cunningham.
“It concerns me youths are still congregating in the park despite a dispersal order previously being in place.”
The order ended in March and achieved an 80% success rate according to neighbourhood policing sergeant John Williams.
PC Williams said: “We will be stepping up patrols. At the same time, I warn parents to be vigilant. I would also urge anyone who sees anything happening to report it without hesitation to Flint Police Station on 0845 607 1002.”
Flintshire County Council’s Alan Roberts said: “The play area is inspected and cleaned every Monday morning and, as with all play areas, if we’re made aware of safety issues we endeavour to respond within a day.
“The play area is also currently cleaned and inspected every Friday due to its popularity during the summer. This will continue for the duration of the school holidays.”