VANDALISM has forced Bordon’s skatepark to close amid warnings of police involvement if there is further anti-social behaviour.

A statement on Whitehill Town Council’s website confirms its action.

“Following a recent spate of vandalism to the equipment at Budds Lane Skatepark, the council has been left with no choice other than to close the skatepark to the public and secure the immediate area.

“The equipment has been left in a dangerous condition which poses an unacceptable level of risk to anyone using the facility.

“The council regrets having been forced to take this course of action. However, by the end of July the brand new facility currently under construction will be opening, and it is not financially viable to undertake costly repairs – especially as the existing site will be removed.”

The statement ends by asking anyone who sees any form of vandalism in the Whitehill and Bordon area to contact the police on 101.

On Thursday last week, town councillor Roger Russell was verbally abused by a group of people damaging the new play area in Hogmoor Inclosure.

He said; "I caught a group trying to wreck the play area. They became abusive and so I called the police.

“The following day a meeting between the town council, regeneration company and police went well.

“Andrea (the Town Clerk) is doing her best at looking at various potential options and the police will hopefully now make themselves known.

“Local people have had enough and want action taken and I have made this very clear to the police."

At a town council meeting on June 19, the council adopted a zero-tolerance approach to graffiti for the new facility and will consider whether to permit street art by inviting designs after six months, Mrs Mann added.

Whitehill Town Council does not manage the entire Budds Lane Playing Field where the skatepark is sited.

Work will begin there this summer for the new Mill Chase Academy school. The site will be closed to the public, from the end of this month, and handed over to Hampshire County Council.

“The council works closely with regeneration organisations and authorities to tackle local issues. Any concerns received by the council, which are not the council’s responsibility, are referred to the appropriate organisation,” said Mrs Mann.