A SENSELESS act of vandalism has forced a parish council to close a popular village play area.

Lawford Parish Council has been left counting the cost following the attack at the School Lane recreational area.

Councillor Julie Langstone visited the site to find hundreds of pounds of damage had been caused.

She said the area was popular with children and families, but would have to be closed while repair work was carried out.

“Everybody is disgusted and shocked that something like this would happen in Lawford,” she said.

“The vandalism was at the under-sevens area. They destroyed the safe surface, picked out all the numbers from a hopscotch and made it so dangerous you can’t use it.

“There was also glass scattered in the ship play equipment.”

She added: “It has escalated. There are reports of youths gathering in the area at night time.

“We were actually hoping to make improvements to the area.”

Council chairman David Ashley appealed for anyone who with information to either call Essex Police on 101 or Lawford Parish Council on 01206 395898.

He added: “Why should children and families suffer because of the senseless actions of these people?”

“Unfortunately, this will cost in the region of £700 – money that could have been spent on a number of better causes.”

Councillor John O’Mara added: “We’re talking about shutting the outside gate of the car park and looking into CCTV for the area.

“It is a terrible shame and we need to clamp down on it.

“We are insured but still have to pay out money – parishioners’ money – to sort this out.”