Killjoy council workers saw snowmen's heads off after children take hours to build them... because they 'damage the grass'

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 8:33 AM on 9th February 2012

It's definitely a case of 'off with their heads' for killjoy council workers who have destroyed dozens of snowmen and igloos built by children in a park.

The hard-hearted workmen smashed down the snowmen and sawed off their heads in Homefield Recreation Ground in Chiswick, west London.

When horrified passers-by complained, the men claimed they were protecting the grass.

 

Silence of the snowmen: Snowmen like these in Hampstead Heath and Tunbridge Wells Common were destroyed in Chiswick by Hounslow council workers

 

The weekend snowfall had attracted scores of children and their parents to the park to have fun.

But dog walker Patricia Queen told how she saw thoughtless workmen beheading the carefully created snowmen on Monday morning.

She said: 'There were at least 50 snowmen plus igloos that children and loving parents had struggled to build.

 

Innocent fun: Children across London, such as Sophie Games, five, made snowmen... some even had a political bent, such as the one at St Paul's Cathedral

'The ice sculptures were rapidly melting in the bright sunlight but these men were being employed to kick them down. One had a saw and was sawing their heads off.

'I was shocked and asked them what they were doing. "It is to protect the grass" was the feeble reply.

'What is going on? What are we paying our taxes for?'

Fellow resident Gabriella Newbold said: 'I saw this happening and was equally shocked. I'm very annoyed. One of the snowmen was made by my kids at 8am.

'What makes my blood boil is that I called the council with regards to the filthy streets opposite Homefield Rec just last Tuesday and am still waiting.'

A Hounslow Council spokesman apologised to residents and suggested that the two workers - employed by its contractor to keep the park clean - might be getting a frosty reception the next time they see their bosses.

He stressed that it was not council policy to destroy snowmen, adding: 'Regretfully - and without valid reasons - two workers employed by our contractor decided themselves that this bizarre course of action was necessary.

'It is certainly not in their job description to go knocking snowmen down. We like snowmen.

'They should be sticking to their task of keeping the park clean, not destroying snowmen.

'We're very sorry and have instructed all site staff to use their common sense and let people enjoy the snow in our parks.

'Our contractor has confirmed that the two men were doing this and they are dealing with the matter now.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2098638/Killjoy-council-wor...