FRUSTRATED councillors and residents are in despair as vandals have targeted their green space... yet again.

There has been a spate of graffiti, burglary and criminal damage at the Recreation Ground in Old Heath Road, Colchester and the surrounding buildings for the past few weeks.

Residents have asked for the gates to the recreation ground to be locked overnight tin a bid to prevent troublemakers accessing the site.

However, councillors felt it may not be the best solution saying the vandals would simply jump over it.

Ward councillor Lee Scordis (Lab), said the level of vandalism had escalated.

He said: “We had problems with anti-social behaviour last summer but this seems to be something much different.

“It’s sad to see as this area has a great community spirit and the rec is fantastic for all families.

“Some residents have urged Colchester Council to lock the gates at night but I think this is reactionary and it won’t solve the problem.

“In fact, it will just move the behaviour somewhere else.

“When the recreation ground was locked at night the pavilion used to be vandalised.

“Since the gates have been unlocked this is the first time the cafe has been burgled in the two years it has been open.

“Locking the gates does not stop someone jumping over the fence or vandalising a bus stop as has now happened.”

He added: “The fact is that we need more help from the police but at the same time we know the constraints they are under due to austerity.”

The GO4 Cafe in Recreation Road was broken into by burglarsearlier this month.

There was also an arson attack at the Wimpole Road Methodist Church in which firestarters set light to sheets which had been put in a fridge.

The kitchen was severely damaged and parts of the building smokelogged.

It meant groups which use the church could not do so while it was repaired.

Mr Scordis said a group of teenagers were heard playing loud music in Old Heath Road when the graffiti occurred and he appealed for anyone with information to tell the police.

He said: “If you do have any information please share this with the police.

Every bit of intelligence is vital for us to find the perpetrators.”

Anyone with information should contact Colchester police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.