The hard work of volunteers and workers at a popular country park was ruined after vandals axed down trees and wrecked new signs.

High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester, has seen a spate of vandalism over the last few months.

In the latest incident about £500 damage was caused around the visitors centre.

Country park manager Richard Mash said new signs had just been put up and were ripped to the ground.

He said: "It is distressing for all involved. Volunteers put in a lot of time and energy into putting signs up and making the park look nice.

"It is a shock when something like this happens.

"The park is a valuable source for the people of Colchester and is a green area for people to go to. I cannot understand why people would want to ruin an environmental area.

"We are working closely with the police to find out who is responsible for the vandalism and we are carefully watching the area."

The previous incident was four weeks ago when two safety lifebelts costing £250 each were axed by vandals.

Colchester police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact them on 01206 762212.

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