Corner Brook -
When it comes to some public properties, the old adage "build it and they will come" seems to refer to how these sites tend to attract vandals.
The most recent example of disregard for public property in Corner Brook has come at the expense of the Capt. James Cook National Historic Site overlooking the city and the Bay of Islands from atop Crow Hill.
In recent weeks, some uncaring motorist has took it upon themselves to leave deep tire tread marks on the new lawn set at the site, which was refurbished by the Corner Brook Stream Trail Development Corporation last year.
In addition, garbage was strewn along the right-hand side of the road leading up to the historic site. Among the litter was a toilet and diaper boxes.
Brent Humphries, the development corporation's executive director, said some of the litter has probably been there for months, while the tire tracks appeared over the course of a few days in recent weeks.
He said littering is a constant problem in the area.
"We have three garbage containers up there and the site is constantly being littered with chicken boxes, beer bottles and God knows what else," a frustrated Humphries said Wednesday. "People won't make the effort to put those things in the garbage and will just throw it out the window of their vehicle."
As for the lawn issue, Humphries said it may only be a few people who would do something like that, but it doesn't take much to make a mess.
The corporation has asked the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to increase its patrols of the area. The RNC said it has done just that since the request was made.
The Capt. Cook site has signs posted which indicate the area is not to be used after 10 p.m.
"Anyone found in the area after that can be asked to leave," said Humphries.
