Newly installed play equipment in Oldham has been damaged again.

Less than two months ago the Firwood and District Residents’ Association installed new musical play equipment in a green space between Partridge Way and Laurel Avenue.

Resident Wes Marchant discovered that the sticks used to play the instruments had been burned off the play equipment on the morning of Wednesday, March 8.

Following the burning of the strings used to attach the sticks, the residents’ association sprung into action with ‘plan C’ – using metal chains to secure the sticks.

However, less than a day later the equipment had been broken again.

The equipment originally had beaters which were unattached and were taken.

Graham had thought this could be innocent, and plan B involved attaching beaters with strings, which were then burned through.

Plan C was to use a metal chain to keep the beaters attached.

Broken again

Graham Taylor, aged 76, who is part of the association, said: “Plan C didn't deter the mindless and thoughtless destruction at our musical Chimes.

“I installed the new chains and beaters yesterday morning. Went to look this morning and saw the vandalism.”

The Oldham Times: It was hoped chains would protect the wooden beatersIt was hoped chains would protect the wooden beaters (Image: Graham Taylor)

Residents were angry on Facebook.

One resident said: “I think whoever is responsible is in this group and sees your efforts to solve the problem and then gets some kind of strange kick out of wrecking your efforts. Absolute idiots.”

Another said: “Heartbreaking. Not easy to destroy so agree not necessarily kids.”

The new equipment was installed in the green space situated between the canal and allotments behind Mills Hill Primary School on the morning of Friday, January 17.

The Oldham Times: The equipment was vandalised again within a dayThe equipment was vandalised again within a day (Image: Graham Taylor)

It was installed by the Firwood and District Residents’ Association – which worked to get National Lottery funding for the instruments.

The funding was provided as part of a Platinum Jubilee community projects fund, which also provided a nature trail and a tree in the area.

Children could already be seen using the new equipment shortly after it was installed.