Douglas Corporation is taking action to improve the chances of bringing to justice vandals who cause criminal damage in the town's Victorian parks.

Five parks and squares are to be closed to the public between the hours of 4pm and 8.30, making them 'out of bounds' for sixteen and a half hours a day during the winter months.

Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee Raina Chatel says anybody found inside when the gates are locked could be prosecuted for trespassing (audio file attached):

The closure decision will affect Hilary Park, the Centenary Park, Derby Square, Hutchinson Sqaure and Woodbourne Square and it will be reviewed in the spring.

(Picture: Raina Chatel, from douglas.gov.im).