'It's heartbreaking'- Anchorsholme Park in Blackpool trashed by vandals again despite repair plans

Shocking new pictures have revealed the state of disrepair at Anchorsholme Park, with the playground’ swings, seesaws and groundworks all vandalised.

Anchorsholme Park has faced mounting concerns over the condition of its facilities since its popular pirate ship playground was set on fire in an arson attack last December. The park then suffered another blow in August when the park’s Brew Café was closed permanently at the end of August.

Anchorsholme Councillor Paul Galley said: “It’s heartbreaking to see Anchorsholme Park like this. Vandalism has caused terrible damage, made worse by cuts to the Council’s playground maintenance budget. We’re working with the Council’s Parks team to deliver a brand-new playground by spring 2027, reopen the café, make further improvements and install more CCTV to protect the Park.

“In November, residents will get to see the new playground designs and choose their favourite. This is their Park and I want them involved in its future. But there are lessons here too. We need to see more money going into playground maintenance.”

Progress towards revitalising the park since the arson attack has been slow. Earlier this month, £10,000 was raised by the Friends of Anchorsholme Community Group towards the repairs of the playground. Blackpool Council has now received the money and will put it towards the total costs of building a new play area.

Blackpool Council has confirmed that construction will start as soon as possible, and that their aim is for the playground to reopen by Spring 2027.

Cllr Galley added: “And nationally, I want to see stronger sentences for people who deliberately vandalise playgrounds. Those responsible for the damage here received a community resolution. When someone deliberately wrecks a playground, they aren’t just damaging equipment they’re taking something away from an entire community.”