In recent weeks, they have been desperately trying to gain a few votes by circulating a newsletter in the Waterside area titled "Turn Netley View Skate Park Lights on".

Unfortunately the author of the article failed to check facts and appears to know nothing of the history behind the issue.

The popular Skate Park was provided by Lib Dem controlled Hythe & Dibden Parish Council. The original scheme included lighting so that it could be used in the evenings. Unfortunately, the high security control box was broken into and the lights rendered useless. The Council fixed the box and the lights were turned on.

The control box was then again attacked by vandals. Once again, the Council arranged for repairs and the lights were turned on.

A short time later, the vandals struck once again. At public expense, repairs were carried out and this time, additional locks were fitted to the high security box and the lights were turned on.

The vandals had not given up. Once again, the control box was attacked, the new locks broken, leaving live wires dangerously exposed in a children's playing area. On top of that, the lights themselves were attacked, either with air guns or stones from catapults. At this point, for safety reasons, the Council reluctantly decided that it was no longer feasible to keep repairing the lights.

It is hoped that the problem of vandalism will reduce with a greater police and community safety officer presence in the area. The forward thinking Hythe & Dibden Parish Council are investing funds in this direction.

Local Lib Dem Councillor Maureen McLean says "Local people are sickened by the level of vandalism to play equipment and understand that it makes no sense to keep throwing money at repairs. Clearly, the Conservatives have no idea what has been going on. Their newsletter should really be called "Out of Touch".