SELFISH vandals have sparked anger by ruining a children's play area in Cheltenham.
Parents in Prestbury are fuming after the toddler's play area, which includes swings, slides and other equipment, was targeted.
Damage, which will cost £2,000 to repair, was caused, with holes ripped out of the soft floor area and sharp instruments used to slash through the surrounding fence.
Parish councillors have sealed off the park because it has been deemed unsafe for youngsters to use.
Andy Silcock, chairman of the council's assets and playing fields committee, condemned the "mindless" idiots who carried out the crime.
He said: "It is a shame in this weather that such a well-used facility has to be shut due to the actions of a mindless minority.
"Following an inspection, I regrettably had to order the park closed until repairs are made due to the dangers posed to children playing."
Mr Silcock added that the vandalism was the latest in a string of low-level crimes to hit the playing fields since a youth shelter was installed in 2011.
He added: "Since the shelter was installed incidents of broken glass near it and in the adjacent goalmouth have increased significantly.
"It is a shame that a feature that was put in for the benefit of the local youth has been abused to this level.
"Even the signs stating that the shelter would be removed if the vandalism continued were prised off the wall.
"Due to the actions of the vandals the parish council is now considering removing the shelter completely in order that we may preserve the facilities for those who use them for their designed purpose."
The matter will be discussed at a parish council meeting on Monday.
Craig Kinsey, groundsman at the playing field, added: "We don't know how long the play area will be shut for.
"Repairs will cost thousands of pounds so the parish council will have to raise the money."
Police said the crime took place between the afternoon of April 26 and 6.30am on April 29. Anyone who saw anything suspicious should contact officers on 101 quoting incident 67 of April 29.
OPINION, P8