The wildlife area pond at Ellington Park in Ramsgate has been cordoned off and the gates locked to prevent access after diesel was poured into the water.
It is hoped remedial works will save the pond but it is not certain.
Green councillor Becky Wing said it is believed to be ‘a deliberate act.’
She added: “Sadly a contaminant that looks like diesel has been poured into the wildlife pond in Ellington Park, the container was left behind at some point on Friday after dark.
“Thanet council was informed and responded as soon as they could visiting the site on Monday. “They were there this morning and Fiona Sperring from Friends of Ellington Park and myself were able to get a sense of what is planned.
“The Open Spaces team hope remedial action will save the pond but it maybe that this will not be enough. They will be back onsite but in the meantime the area has been locked off and no one should enter.
“Lastly, if anyone has any information concerning this incident please report to the police, Ellington Park is a space for everyone so those that seek to harm the park and its wildlife are hurting us all and themselves sadly.”
The wildlife garden and pond was established in 2013 and promotes a natural habitat by creating a home and feeding ground for animals and insects to enjoy and thrive.
Thanet council has confirmed the contaminant is diesel. A spokesperson said: “The area around the wildlife pond in the conservation area in Ellington Park, Ramsgate, is closed to the public. This follows reports of contamination in the pond, now confirmed to be diesel.
“Members of the public are advised to keep dogs on leads, and away from the area, which will reopen to the public when the clean up is complete.”
Ramsgate is getting worse!!
everywhere is getting worse
Not quite. The Isles of Scilly has very little crime, beyond people nicking bikes to get home from the pubs (and then returning them the next day!).
wow, Ramsgate home to braindead deviants
Where do you live, Fran? I live in Ramsgate and I’m absolutely fed-up with reading the frequent disparaging exaggerations in many comments on this site.
Why do you refuse to even condemn criminal behaviour in Ramsgate?
No one, as far as I can see, is against condemning criminal behaviour. (I note that you didn’t condem this criminal damage)
But I too, as a Ramsgste resident, get weary of the ill-informed and completely unrepresentative comments often made on this platform by a handful of people.
It’s almost ad though there were two Ramsgates: a fantasy town envisaged by a small handful of people, and the real one where I live.
Thank you, M.M. Rees’ spokesperson.
what you mean the type of people who frequent the bars on the harbour during the day and have a lovely walk along the harbour, and those who see the reports ov violence,anti sociable behaviour and live in the real world..ive been a resident of ramsgate since 1970 and it isnt the place i remember
I am sorry but even in the 1950’s parks such as Ellington and Dane Park suffered the same type of vandalism. Changes over the years attempted to make such parks accessible 24/7/365 but this failed. Costs came into the equation. Employing a person to shut the parks, Vehicle, insurance, road tax etc means it is no longer a persons salary but all the extra’s that it entails. Put a wall or railings around the whole of the park would be out of the question unless public funds are raised. In todays climate unfortunately this is not feasible. If it children who are causing the problems, this is the parents responsibility to educate their children. If teenager the same. If an adult they themselves are responsible.. CCTV possibly is the answer but who is going to monitor the camera’s 24/7/365.
Thanet , an open air asylum !
Sid- no it isn’t.
Yet you live there?
You live in Thanet,maybe a move back to London is on the cards I take it you don’t like Thanet,so why stay
Because I still need to persuade my other half. I’d move tomorrow, away from the less friendly and over-capacity south (I particularly fancy Northumberland, with those friendly and unpretentious Geordies!). I’m guessing you just stay for the art?
Oh yes it is
Bar steward low life cretins. Why would they, why??
Maybe it was for the Motor Pike and Side Carp!
I condem this criminal selfish behaviour and the moron or morons behind it. It is not typical of Ramsgate residents many of whom work selflessly for the good of all. Ellington Park is a recognised gem of the town because of the efforts of many. I hope the clean up succeeds. I funding is required to acheive this I will recomend the Town Council supports it in full.
Makes a change from Southern Water dumping sewage I guess
Whoever did this is mentally sick! They have such low self esteem, they want to make others feel as miserable as they are. Get a life whoever you are, are help!
What a terrible shame! The park is a wonderful oasis and the volunteers do such amazing work to look after it
You did get the container checked for fingerprints, didn’t you Becky?
Its a few idiots who think they are better than anyone else and get pleasure in spoiling public places. Don’t judge Ramsgate by these waste of space humans, I believe in karma, and at some point, they will be victims of crime and boo hoo they might just get to understand that it is incumbent upon the individual to do the right thing EVERY DAY. There are some wonderful people out there, who quietly get on with making lives better by volunteering their time and knowledge or just saying a kind word to a stranger (or just anyone) which will go a long way to brighten up their day and potentially their life. BE KIND.
At last some sensible comments from the sensible brigade.