AN APPEAL has been launched to catch the vandals responsible for defacing a display board at a much loved Chester park.

An interpretation board, which provides visitors with details on the species and habitats present within the Countess of Chester Country Park, was found tossed into the reeds near a deep pond this afternoon (Wednesday, May 31) having been torn from its stand. The deep water means that it is not possible to retrieve the board, a process which will be now be undertaken by volunteers.

The park, which lies next door to the Countess of Chester Hospital, provides an expanse of green space for residents and includes woodland, grazing marshes and wetlands which support a multitude of species, some of which are endangered. The land is managed and maintained The Land Trust in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers.

Chester and District Standard: The board was found in the reeds.The board was found in the reeds. (Image: Countess of Chester Country Park via Twitter)

Sadly, the vandalism is not an isolated incident.

Alerting visitors via Twitter, the Countess of Chester Country Park said: "Sad to report that another of our interpretation boards has been vandalised. This time it is the one by the Dipping Platform, the board has been thrown into the reeds. This is deep water so please don't attempt to retrieve it TCVMerseyside will do this next week."

"The incident has been reported to Cheshire Police and the crime number is IML1560449

"If you have any information which could help catch the culprit(s) please call 101 using the reference above."

The park is a popular space for residents and visitors, playing host to the Chester Parkrun. In 2022 the park received a Green Flag Award, the international accreditation for publicly accessible parks and green spaces.