RESIDENTS in St John s Road, Ely, have said their bitter opposition to a new skate park has been justified after the £80,000 facility has been covered in graffiti. The Friends of St John s Road Playing Field told the Ely Standard last week that anti-soci

RESIDENTS in St John's Road, Ely, have said their bitter opposition to a new skate park has been justified after the £80,000 facility has been covered in graffiti.

The Friends of St John's Road Playing Field told the Ely Standard last week that anti-social behaviour has soared as the new skate park nears completion, and now chairman Art Kelleway has reported a new spate of vandalism on the ramp itself.

"The Beresford Road end has been totally graffitied," he said.

"I think it's going to be painted over, but they will be back and doing it again before long."

He said security at the skate park is becoming an important issue for residents.

"We were told that the CCTV would be the solution to the problem, but because of its location, it can't see all of the skate park.

"On Saturday morning, the skate park was in use all the time, which was good to see, and there were children of all ages there, but it's not the younger children that are causing the trouble, it's the older teenagers."

Ely police have said they are aware of residents' concerns.

Inspector Adam Gallop said: "I understand that some local residents are concerned about anti-social behaviour that may come as a result of the skate park.

"For this reason we will continue to monitor the park as a priority area, with the assistance of CCTV.