Vandals torch children's beloved story characters within Ayrshire beauty spot
A series of willow sculptures within Ayr's Rozelle Park have been destroyed in a 'senseless act of vandalism.' The willow sculptures have been a popular fixture within the local beauty spot for the last three years and were part of a set of 11 such sculptures. They depict some of J.M. Barrie's classic characters and arch rivals such as Captain Hook and Peter Pan. They also boast the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter, Rupert Bear and Robert Louis Stevenson's Long John Silver, among others. The sculptures were created by local artist David Powell and formed part of a 'story stroll' at the park. But a series of characters including Peter Pan, Captain Hook sand Shrek have been destroyed and pictures show what appears to be singed ground where three of them once stood. A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said the damaged ones will be removed. They said: 'Due to a senseless act of vandalism, we'll have to remove some of the damaged willow sculptures at Rozelle Park. We're currently looking at different options to ensure this magical trail continues.' The vandalism has been condemned on social media. On the South Ayrshire Council Facebook page, one woman said: "I honestly can't believe people would do this! They must be evil!" Another posted: "Hope whoever did this now feels ashamed, although I doubt it. Utter vandalism!" And another message said: "Only mindless, selfish thugs would get any satisfaction from destroying artwork that so many locals, visitors and tourists continue to enjoy."
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