We are saddened to report that the site of The Ness - the UK’s most easterly park, has been vandalised.

The site, on Whapload Road in Lowestoft, has been vandalised through spitting, urination and criminal damage. Workers have also been verbally assaulted over the past few weeks.

We are disgusted at this behaviour. Any incident of vandalism is disappointing however this incident is particularly upsetting as it threatens the safety of those working on site during the coronavirus pandemic.

Contractors Blakedown Construction Ltd are working hard to progress the project as much as they can during these challenging times. In line with government guidelines, they are only undertaking work which can be carried out whilst adhering to social distancing.

Those involved in delivering The Ness - Lowestoft Town Council, East Suffolk Council, Concertus Design and Property Consultants, Blakedown Construction Ltd, Allen Scott Landscape Architecture, Immersive Solutions and J P Chicks & Partners Ltd - are deeply upset by these incidents.

We know that the majority of people are doing all they can to prevent the spread of the virus, by staying at home, working from home if possible, keeping 2m apart if they go out and washing their hands regularly.

The nature of this vandalism is horrible and to do this during a pandemic is abhorrent.

Suffolk Police have been informed.

We are also aware that a small number of people have been breaking in through the fencing to visit the play area. Please don’t. Breaking into the site, even just for a look, endangers those working hard to transform this area into a family-friendly space for local people and visitors to enjoy. It is also an active construction site.

Work at The Ness will continue despite these incidents and once complete, and when it is safe to do so, we look forward to welcoming you all to the UK’s most easterly park.