Brooklands’ owner is sickened by vandals

THE owner of Brooklands Pleasure Park says that a spate of break ins and vandalism means that the attraction is unlikely to open this summer.
WH 280414 Brooklands Pleasure Park, Lancing - broken into. Park manager Simon Cole looking at damaged fountain in the paddling pool. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140428-142552001WH 280414 Brooklands Pleasure Park, Lancing - broken into. Park manager Simon Cole looking at damaged fountain in the paddling pool. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140428-142552001
WH 280414 Brooklands Pleasure Park, Lancing - broken into. Park manager Simon Cole looking at damaged fountain in the paddling pool. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140428-142552001

Kevin McCluskey said he was ‘sickened and disgusted’ that the attraction had been targeted three times in four days.

On Wednesday, April 23 the site’s Lakeshore Café was broken into and a number of items were taken including the staff tip box, two charity tins and ice creams.

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Two days later the windows of the kiosk of the fun area had been smashed, forcing Mr McCluskey to spend the night at the park.

On Saturday the paddling pool, which is offered free throughout the summer had been targeted.

The dolphin slide that was installed last year had been smashed and the water feature destroyed.

Mr McCluskey, of Durrington, said; “It is just too much and at the moment I do not think we will be able to open at all.

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“I dread to think how much all the repairs are going to cost but we are talking hundreds of pounds.

“It costs £5,000 a year to keep the paddling pool open free of charge and I just cannot keep repairing this facility myself so I have now written to the council to see what can be done.

“We are just getting ready to open for the summer and this happens. It is really bad considering that this is a family area but it seems that you get rid of one lot of youths then the next is coming through.

“We have always been an affordable park so that everyone can come and use us, it is ridiculous that certain individuals only want to spoil that.

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“I have run this place for seven years and worked so hard. This is soul destroying because it seems you cannot even leave the park without it getting smashed to bits. You lose faith in everything.

“To ruin a dolphin slide which is used by children is disgusting, it makes me want to throw up.

“This type of behaviour is disgraceful and affects everyone.

“I cannot believe this has happened three times in the space of a few days.

“We are the only free paddling pool in the whole area and somebody has completely trashed it, and for what reason?”

The miniature railway, crazy golf and fun area will be open as normal this summer.