We are saddened to report that thousands of pounds worth of our Party in the Park community equipment has been stolen from the rec ground.

The thieves broke through security gates and drove vehicles into the Recreation Ground where eight gazebos, lighting, tables, chairs, soft drinks and garden games were stolen from a storage building in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The equipment was newly purchased in the summer by Creech Party in the Park for community events.

Contractors who are currently installing new play equipment at the park,  and contractors working on the road in Hyde Lane also reported that their huts were broken into and equipment damaged.

PIP has donated thousands of pounds to local charities, schools and groups over the past 7 years, along with funding tree planting, benches, OAP lunches and community clean-up days, and unfortunately this incident will have a direct effect on our future donations to local groups.

The organising committee said:

“We are heartbroken. Our event is run by local volunteers and our equipment is paid for by the generosity of all our local supporters who spend their hard-earned cash at our event. In previous years we have borrowed small gazebos, and tables and chairs, so were really pleased this year to be able to purchase new ones that could be used for years to come.

Sadly, this will likely have a real effect on the event, and we’ll have to discuss what we may have to cut back on – this could mean cancelling our annual OAP lunch or increasing prices at the next event. It’s a very sad day for us”.

The organising committee urge locals to please check their external CCTV for any suspicious activity and anyone with information to please contact the police or the committee or email clerk@creechstmichael.net.