A beloved park has been struck by vandalism once again.
Gnoll Country Park in Neath has been under regular attack by vandals who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage, according to Neath Port Talbot Council (NPTC).
The most recent vandal attack last weekend saw one of the park's new electric site maintenance vehicles stolen after the building housing it was broken into through the roof.
The vehicle was driven around the park ripping up the grounds and plants, before being taken on road to Eaglesbush where it was eventually dumped down a ravine.
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Paving stones were also dug up and found stacked, ready for transportation off-site.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for community safety and public protection, Leanne Jones, said: "We would appeal to all those who love using the park to help us identify those undertaking all the damage and theft.
"It is your facility, your place to get away from it all and take a stroll or simply sit and relax, so please help us keep an eye on what is happening there.
"We would appeal to those responsible to show greater respect for community assets, and members of the community to use their influence to help stop this mindless vandalism."
Security has been stepped up at the park and South Wales Police, who are putting on extra patrols, are working with the council in an attempt to find the perpetrators.
NPTC is appealing to all those who use the park and who live nearby to help the council and South Wales Police identify those responsible.
When asked what they would like to see done to curb the persistent vandalism, councillors were keen to say that they would not like to see too many restrictions on visiting the park.
Labour NPTC councillor for Neath North, Councillor Alan Lockyer said: "The problem is that Gnoll is such a huge park with many entrances [and to] secure the park completely would be a massive task.
"And of course, you have to balance that with the fact that people use the park even out of hours, and nobody minds that as long as they treat it with respect.
"Often people are there before the park opens on early morning runs or walks, all part of their daily routine, and we don't want to stop that because it is an integral part of peoples' wellbeing.
"The thought of increasing security is always on our minds, but to secure the whole park would be an absolutely massive task."
Expressing his thoughts on the damage, Plaid Cymru NPTC councillor for Neath South, Jamie Evans said: "It's sad more than anything because it is the jewel in the crown of Neath I think and you have got these idiots now going up there and ruining it."
Cllr Evans said that he would like to see enhanced security measures at the park and wondered whether it would be a good idea to install shutters on the Visitor Centre, "to stop further vandalism or to deter them".
He added: "A lot of things are locked up there, so there are obviously people going up there with the means to cause damage, but you can't shut the Gnoll.
"It was given as a gift to the people of Neath and you cannot shut it off.
"I would like to see enhanced security and a greater police presence up there, even if it is just a couple of PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) [in the] early morning and early evening when it is not as busy."
In other attacks over the past few months at Gnoll Country Park, toilets have been damaged, buildings have been broken into and the Visitor Centre has been attacked.
CCTV cameras have been smashed, items have been set on fire, and play equipment has been vandalised.
Anyone with any information on the incident at Gnoll Country Park, or who sees anything suspicious has been asked to contact the police.
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