TWICE, in a matter of days, vandals have left a trail of destruction in Blackburn's Corporation Park.

Each time, the target has been the pride of the park -- its magnificent historical Grade II-listed Victorian conservatory. Windows have been smashed -- even ones made of specially-toughened glass -- and arson attempted.

But appalling as this is, all the more outrageous is that these attacks took place in the shadow of closed-circuit TV cameras meant to deter such trouble.

That, surely, tells us that the system is not sufficient and that security at the park needs wholesale review.

For, as fed-up residents living nearby complain, these incidents are only part the park's problems. That is because, apart from its general decline as a once 'posh' daytime retreat, by night it has become a daunting place -- the haunt of teenage gangs and drug-users.

Yet, plans are afoot, backed by a provisional grant of £2million in lottery money, to restore this neglected asset to its former glory. The restoration is to include improvements to the conservatory, the Italian Gardens, the gateway, the Garden of Remembrance, fountains, paths and much more.

But if such immense and welcome investment is being made, should it not only be preserved from vandalism, but also have its virtual no-go status by night addressed -- by the introduction of proper security measures?

It may be that the park and its perimeter are so vast that closing it off completely at night is virtually impossible. But if it has already been demonstrated that CCTV, even coupled with the measures the police have in place at present, is not adequate, then vigilance needs to be stepped up by the implementation of security patrols at night.

And it would surely also add to the park's protection if the courts ordered convicted offenders to carry out community service sentences by being made to work on the park's restoration and make good the damage that they have done there.