A long-running complaint about a storage container placed in Agincourt Park has escalated.
This comes as the Rotary Club of Willetton warns against ongoing vandalism and theft now threatening the future of its monthly Artisan Market.
The container was installed by the City of Canning earlier this year to store equipment used for the Willetton Rotary Artisan Market, which is held once a month at Agincourt Park near Southlands Shopping Centre.
Several residents in the area, including Willetton resident Graham Mark Bloem, complained about the container installed in the park.
Mr Bloem said he raised concerns with the City earlier in the year after the container appeared in what he described as a well-used play and picnic area opposite his home.
Mr Bloem said he initially believed the container was temporary and related to park maintenance, but became concerned when it was painted, fitted with ventilation and appeared permanent.
He said the City advised him the container was for the Rotary market, was approved by council, and was part of a one-year trial.
“My biggest issue is that there was no consultation with residents,” Mr Bloem said. “This is a beautiful park that families use for birthday parties, picnics and play. I don’t believe a permanent structure for a once-a-month event belongs in that location.”
Mr Bloem said he and neighbours believed the container was visually intrusive and questioned why it could not be placed elsewhere in the park. He later placed protest notices on the container encouraging others to lodge complaints with the City of Canning.
In recent weeks, the Rotary Club of Willetton has raised concerns about repeated vandalism and theft linked to the market, saying the incidents began shortly after protest notices appeared on the container on October 4.
Rotary market team leader Ian Ross said the storage unit has been targeted multiple times, with its lock filled with glue on four occasions, graffiti applied twice, and the sliding door jammed.
“This is particularly frustrating when we arrive at 6am to commence set-up and are delayed,” Mr Ross said.
He said vandalism and theft had been “fairly consistent” over the past three months, particularly in the fortnight leading up to each monthly market.
According to Rotary, 14 street banners and around 20 core-flute signs have been stolen across Willetton, with the total loss exceeding $4,400.
Mr Ross said the incidents had been reported to police through an online report lodged on October 13, which has since been updated three times, but an officer has not yet been assigned.
The Rotary Club of Willetton said proceeds from the market are reinvested back into the community, with a strong focus on supporting local youth and schools, as well as providing a platform for local artisans and small businesses.
Mr Ross said the ongoing losses were disheartening for volunteers, many of whom are senior members, and warned continued vandalism could place pressure on the market’s viability.
“Any additional costs incurred mean less funds we can direct to local youth and community programs,” he said.
Mr Bloem said while he did not support the container’s placement, he did not link his objections to the vandalism.
“Vandalism happens,” he said. “My issue is the container itself and where it has been placed.”
There is no evidence linking the resident complaints or protest notices to the vandalism or theft reported by Rotary.
Rotary has urged community members to support the market and report any information relating to theft or vandalism to police, the City of Canning or the Rotary Club.
The Willetton Rotary Artisan Market has been operating for nearly four years, with the final market for 2025 held at Agincourt Park on Sunday, December 14.
The City of Canning previously advised the container was installed to support the Rotary Club of Willetton’s monthly Artisan Market, was approved by council, and is part of a one-year trial arrangement.
