It has been the site of unprecedented vandalism for several years and locals have had enough.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Metford Oval has been trashed countless times by motorbike riders and reckless motor vehicle drivers, causing not only damage to its turf surface but also putting the lives of young users at risk.
This week however there has been a reprieve with work underway to fence off the reserve.
Maitland councillor Ben Whiting has helped obtain $40,000 to secure the park, $28,000 through Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison, the balance from Maitland City Council.
“The idea is to keep the motorbike riders and cars off the oval and make the area more safe for users,” Cr Whiting said. “It is unfortunate to have to do this but money has to be spent to keep people safe and to provide good resources in terms of parks and playing fields.
Cr Whiting said work started to fence off Metford Oval last week with concrete now poured around the perimeter. “Once that is complete the fence will go up. We’re expecting work to be finished in the next couple of weeks,” he said.
“Metford Oval is between two bush areas that bike riders use. They use the oval as a short cut between the two sites.”
Maitland council’s Manager Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance Ashley Kavanagh said the yearly cost of repairing damage or vandalism to grounds and facilities in Maitland varies as damage can range from superficial to significant.
“The main inconvenience is the time it takes to repair the damage before the community can use the facility again,” Mr Kavanagh said.
Hunter Area Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator and Metford resident Bill Hackney said the erection of the fence could well save lives.
“The problem at Metford Oval has been ongoing for as long as I can remember and is always a hot topic at Neighbourhood Watch meetings,” Mr Hackney said.
“Soccer, Little Athletics and cricket organisations are affected by the damage and in some cases lives have been at risk when bikes plough through user groups. There have been fears that someone will be mown down by bikes or an out of control car.”
Mr Hackley said Lower Hunter Area Command Police are about to launch an operation targeting unlicensed motorbikes across the city.
RELATED CONTENT
