A POPULAR village play area will remain closed for even longer after vandals struck for the second time in a month.

Lawford Parish Council was forced to close the School Lane recreation ground in June after vandals left much of the equipment damaged and unsafe for children.

Hundreds of pounds of damage was caused and although the council is insured, the excess resulted in a payout of £250.

With the council set to fund repairs and clean the site, vandals struck for a second time last Friday night – breaking yet more equipment and leaving broken glass and litter scattered about.

The council will now look at the option of setting up CCTV cameras to cover the area in an effort to stop future attacks.

Councillor John O’Mara condemned the “incredibly frustrating” actions of the vandals.

“We need CCTV to cover it,” he said.

“There are holes in some of the equipment three inches deep – a child could break their arm falling from that.

“There is glass in the ship and it is a danger.

“It’s awful and so sad that children cannot use the area, especially as they’re off school now.”

David Ashley, council chairman, said the total cost of the previous damage had been £900.

The second attack will add hundreds of pounds to the total.

“It will have to remain closed when it should be open,” he said.

“We cannot allow younger children into the play area as it just isn’t safe until repairs are made.

“With the football club nearby having active CCTV, we may look at extending that to the play area to act as a deterrent.”