Vandals damage much-loved toy box on Manningtree beach

The wooden toy box, which was placed at Manningtree beach back in February, has been targeted by vandals.

One of the top slats has been left broken, exposing screws and nails and causing potential danger to users.

The eco-friendly box, which encourages people to donate unwanted toys and reduce single use plastic, was created by Salvage, Stitch, Restore, which reuses and recycles materials.

Manningtree mayor Michelle Taylor believes there is “no way” the damage could have been done accidentally.

She said: “It looks like the slat from along the top has been either kicked or pulled off and it was exposing nails and screws.

“We are just annoyed people think so little of other people’s property that they could do this damage and potentially result in something well used being removed because we can’t keep it safe.”

Ms Taylor has also made an appeal to anyone who has information about the damage.

She said: “Speaking for myself, and I believe the rest of the councillors, it is annoying we are in this position that we have to go and repair it.

“If it was accidental – fine, please come forward.

"But likewise if it is deliberate damage and anyone knows anything, come forward and let us know so action can be taken.“

The exposed nails and screws have now been removed and Ms Taylor has reassured residents the toy box will be repaired in time for the jubilee celebrations.

She has also confirmed this is the first time the toy box has been vandalised.

She added: “We have had occasional acts of vandalism to the benches and the bins but that was years ago.

“The kids especially in this time of year are down there every day playing with it on the beach.

“It was well used in February when it was first installed.

“We had a couple of dry days and people would just take the kids down and have an hour on the beach for some fresh air.

“As the months have gone on, it is brimming to the top now which is brilliant and it is not a resource we want to lose.”