Vandalism in Wallingford park condemned as bins set on fire

Wallingford Town Council said it is “disappointed to report” incidents of vandalism in the Bullcroft park in the centre of the town over the past three days.

Two bins had been “deliberately” set alight, leaving behind burned-out plastic bin bags, rubbish, plastic fittings and ash in the bin fixtures attached to the ground.

READ MORE: Small boat migrant imprisoned for Oxford university stabbing

The town council said each bin costs more than £200 of taxpayer money to replace, which it described as “money that should be going into improving facilities for everyone, not repairing avoidable damage”.

Bins in the Bullcroft park in Wallingford were burned in an act of vandalism (Image: Wallingford Town Council)

A spokesperson for the council said: “With the Easter holidays currently underway and more people out and about enjoying the nice weather, we’re asking everyone to be mindful of how our shared spaces are used.

“The Bullcroft is a valued space for the whole community, and incidents like this affect everyone who enjoys it.

“If you witnessed anything suspicious, please report it to Thames Valley Police.

READ MORE: 2026 Oxford City Council election candidates list out tomorrow

“Let’s all do our bit to look after our town.”

One of the burned bins is beside the parks tennis courts, and the other on the concrete next to a bench just off its main path.

The Bullcroft is a large, historic greenspace which was gifted to the town in 1912 and as well as the tennis courts it has two children’s play areas, a bowling green and an out-of-use sports pavilion.