‘MINDLESS VANDALS' have wrecked part of a wall leading up to the iconic conservatory in Blackburn’s Corporation Park.

Park users have described it as ‘heart-breaking’ after the wall and flower urn were pushed down overnight leaving the stones upturned and flowers scattered across the lawn.

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The windows on the conservatory were also smashed recently.

However park supporters have stressed it is an isolated incident and crime in the park remains low after an increase in police patrols.

Cllr Arshid Mahmood, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “It’s really disappointing. It’s happened in the past where they’ve had extensive damage. It’s one of the oldest parks we have.

“Everybody is trying to work together to get some funding so we can reinstate the conservatory so to see damage like that is very upsetting.

“We need to catch them. Police have done good work and they have got some CCTV so hopefully they will be able to bring these criminals to justice.

“It’s just mindless vandals.

“People are very passionate about the park and it’s used by all of the community so it’s quite heart-breaking to see.

“The park is maintained so well. The staff work so hard. It’s our heritage.”

Student Mohsan Choudry, 18, who walks through the park regularly, said: “It’s no good if people are going to destroy the park. People will think it’s teenagers.

“It’s unbelievable, how did they even manage to lift it up?

“It ruins it for everyone. We used to come to the conservatory when we were at nursery and school.

“It was the best place to come to. You would never think stuff like that would happen.”

Another walker Matthew Golding, 27, from Blackburn said the damage was ‘disgusting’.

He said: “I used to come here and play as a child and we used to roll down the hill from the conservatory. It’s disgusting they would push that over.” It does not set the right example.”

Helen Roscoe, chairman of the Corporation Park Supporters Group chairman, said crime is very rare in the park.

“The police presence has been increased significantly with police on horseback patrolling the park,” she said.

“The supporters group raised £300 which has gone towards a new security system and we are investing £2,500 towards cleaning the conservatory.” A council spokesman said: “This vandalism happened overnight and has been reported to the police. We are looking into repairs and costs.”