HEARTLESS youngsters have vandalised two Backwell play areas, costing the council thousands of pounds.

HEARTLESS youngsters have vandalised two Backwell play areas, costing the council thousands of pounds.

Vandals have been digging up the safety surface in Moor Lane play area, which has been put down to protect children using the equipment.

On the first two occasions, Backwell Parish Council was able to repair the surface, but the damage was so bad after the third occurrence that the whole surface has had to be replaced. The damage has so far cost the council �2,500.

Parish council chairman Colin Pope said: “We are upset about it. We are trying to provide facilities for the children and they are being ruined by older children. We almost had to close the play area in Moor Lane because it got so bad.”

The thoughtless vandals have also targeted another play area in Oatfield Road. Troublemakers broke the entrance gates to the play area as well as a kissing gate on the site. Slats have also been pulled off a third gate and fence surrounding the park.

The council has had to buy one new gate and carry out repairs to the rest, which have so far cost �336.

Councillors are desperate to stop this from happening again and are appealing for anyone who saw the incidents happen to contact the police.

Villagers are also being asked to report any damage to the parish’s play areas to the council so repairs can be made as soon as possible for the safety of youngsters using the equipment.

Anyone who knows anything about the vandalism is asked to call police on 0845 456 7000.