The UK’s most easterly park has been subject to “disgusting and abhorrent” vandalism and workers have been verbally abused during lockdown, a council has said.
The Ness, which is currently being regenerated after a £1m community fund was secured in 2017, has been the site of “spitting, urination and criminal damage” over the last few weeks.
In a statement, East Suffolk Council said it was also saddened to report the verbal assault of workers since construction resumed on the site in May.
The statement said: “The Ness on Whapload Road in Lowestoft has been vandalised through spitting, urination and criminal damage. Workers have also been verbally assaulted over the past few weeks.
“We are disgusted at this behaviour.
“Any incident of vandalism is disappointing, however, this is particularly upsetting as it threatens the safety of those working on site during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Contractors Blakedown Construction Ltd are working hard to progress the project as much as they can during these challenging times.
“In line with government guidelines, they are only undertaking work which can be carried out whilst adhering to social distancing.”
The council added that to do such a thing during a pandemic was “abhorrent”, and that Suffolk Police have been informed.
The statement continued: “We are also aware that a small number of people have been breaking in through the fencing to visit the play area. Please don’t.
“Breaking into the site, even just for a look, endangers those working hard to transform this area into a family-friendly space for local people and visitors to enjoy. It is also an active construction site.
“Work at The Ness will continue despite these incidents and once complete, and when it is safe to do so, we look forward to welcoming you all to the UK’s most easterly park.”
The plans to turn Ness Point in Lowestoft into a landmark destination has seen major development works under recent months.
At the beginning of May, East Suffolk Council issued a statement stressing that “government advice allows construction sites to remain open if work is conducted in a safe and appropriate manner.”
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