Mindless vandals have wrecked part of a well-used pump track in Craigneuk.
The yobs left a small bonfire on the Wishawhill Wood track, leaving the surface badly damaged.
Dan Scott, from Socialtrack who run a variety of activities at the track, said: “We’re so disappointed to see the mindless damage to the pump track over the course of just a few days.
“To have gone so long without meaningful graffiti or damage to this is actually heartbreaking!
“It looks like it’s been a bonfire. It looks like a wheelie bin has been set on fire and that has damaged the track.
“So much work went into building this track in our community, thousands of volunteer hours over the years, hundreds of thousands of pounds to build it, thousands spent on making sure the community continued to be able to use it just for selfish people to cause damage to it.
“It’s difficult to find the words to express the sorrow and anger we feel regarding this at Socialtrack.
“It has been really bad the last wee while. This repair could cost thousands.
“It’s a lot of work to fix this.”
Craigneuk residents took to social media to express their anger at the damage caused.
One woman said: “Shocking. Why do they do this?
“Lots of kids enjoy this track.”
One man added: “The people of Craigneuk wonder why we can never have anything nice.
“This is exactly why, always gets wrecked man.”
Another woman said: “Absolutely disgusting, the kids play here every day and love it as well. The place is becoming a joke.”
Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig councillor Kenneth Duffy confirmed he had spoken with the Socialtrack team regarding the damage.
He added: “I am angry to learn about the vandalism at the Craigneuk pump track. This community space not only provides a place for our young people to engage in healthy, active play but also fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in our community.
“Acts of vandalism like this have a detrimental effect on our community and hinder our efforts to enhance the area.
“I urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Together, we can ensure that Craigneuk is a safe, enjoyable community for everyone.”
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