“Incredibly sad” – popular play equipment stolen from Severn Valley Country Park

Staff and visitors at Severn Valley Country Park were left shocked and saddened after learning popular play equipment had been stolen.

The wooden eels before they were stolen from the play area at Severn Valley Country Park

The balancing eel’s piece of play equipment was stolen from the play area at the popular country park near Alveley. The 2x3m long carved wooden eels were only installed last year, and are a huge favourite among families visiting the park.

The remains following the theft

Other bits of play equipment were also stolen. The total bill to replace the stolen items is around £4,500.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said:

“I was incredibly saddened when I found out about this theft.

“Staff have been working so hard to get the play area open safely at Severn Valley Country Park. Our visitors love and value this play equipment, and now the enjoyment of many has been ruined by the selfish people who decided that this play equipment shouldn’t be available for everyone.

“If you have seen or heard of anything suspicious, please report it to the police and help us make sure that those responsible and caught and punished.”

Dave Tremellen, Shropshire councillor for Highley, said:

Utterly disgraceful. Angry beyond words.

The theft has been reported to West Mercia Police who are now investigating the incident.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for the area, Nikki Roberts, said:

“It’s believed the theft happened between 5pm on 30 June and 8.30pm on 1 July, and we’re asking anyone who may have information that can help with our enquiries to please let us know.”

Anyone with information can report this online by visiting https://www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ and quoting reference 22/55657/20.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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