Newham Council has condemned vandals and thieves for removing and damaging life belts from parks, actions the councils says puts lives at risk.
According to council officials the belts located by lakes in Beckton District Park North and Forest Lane Park are often removed and sometimes thrown into the water.
Newham Councillor June Leitch said: “Beckton District Park and Forest Lane Park are very popular and are visited a lot by residents, especially at this time of year. We are very fortunate to have the lakes in the parks, which are a haven for wildlife and a place of tranquillity.”
According to Cllr Leitch, who is the executive member for anti-social behaviour, “no sooner are the life belts replaced, they are vandalised soon afterwards. The foolish actions by these uncaring individuals are endangering the lives of people.”
“I find it extremely hard to believe why anyone would act so irresponsibly. These life belts are there to help anyone whose lives may depend upon them.”
The council is asking anyone who witnesses someone damaging or stealing the life belts to report it in confidence on 0800 731 3300.
