VANDALS have been accused of potentially putting children s lives at risk by taking screws and bolts from play equipment in a Whitehaven park. Copeland mayor Mike Starkie said he was absolutely appalled by the damage in Castle Park over the weekend. More than ten bolts were removed from seven pieces of play equipment, making it unsafe for children to use, with ‘significant’ risk being created for children. Mr Starkie told of his disappointment at the vandalism on the park that he visits with his young grandchild. He said: “I think it’s absolutely appalling behaviour. They re actually potentially putting small children’s lives at risk and there could have been serious consequences.
Copeland Council has started to broadcast a Christmas memorial service to offer people the chance to remember their loved ones. Distington Hall Crematorium’s traditional Christmas memorial event cannot take place this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, so the team has instead produced a recorded service that can be viewed online, go to www.copeland.gov.uk and scroll down to Christmas Memorial Service link. The service features readings and a visual tribute, with the names of dearly departed loved ones on the screen. It is on Copeland s website, Facebook and Twitter pages and will be available to view until January.