Getting smashed

By Jade Lawton
LITTERERS, vandals and teenage drinkers are gathering at Pakenham’s P.B. Ronald Reserve, according to a resident.
A Pakenham resident who uses the reserve regularly has submitted photos to the News showing youths, who have illegally entered the construction site of the new skate park, with a slab of alcohol.
Broken beer bottles, empty beer cans and a discarded packet of spirits were all clearly visible in and near the site when the News visited yesterday (Wednesday).
Shards of broken glass were also found on the walking path surrounding the site.
The new skate park is part of Cardinia Shire Council’s improvements at the P.B. Ronald Reserve.
A construction worker told the News that he had spent about 20 minutes cleaning the site of rubbish that morning, but that this was not uncommon.
“We removed half a dozen empties, fast-food wrappers, and some smashed glass,” he said.
“Some local idiot always spoils it for everyone.”
Council spokesperson Paul Dunlop said the reserve was part of council’s commitment to increasing services and facilities for young people.
“Fencing at the site has been reinforced to further discourage illegal entry and we ask all people to remain well clear of the site until construction is completed. The council has asked police to step up patrols in the area,” he said.
“It is disappointing for all residents when community assets are not treated with respect, particularly one which will have a very positive impact for our young people.”
The Pakenham Outdoor Pool, in the same reserve, has also been targeted by vandals.
Police said vandals threw dirt and broken glass into the pool last week, between 7.30pm 6 February and 10.30am 7 February.
Police said the vandals appeared to have thrown the materials into the pool from outside the perimeter fence.
Detective Sergeant Phil Jury, of Pakenham’s Criminal Investigation Unit, described the crime as a “mongrel act.”
Det Sgt Jury said offenders could face charges of conduct likely to cause serious injury.
“If glass is in the pool, someone could step on it, and obviously that could cause some kind of injury,” he said.
Anyone with information on the crime should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.