Vandals damage new play equipment at St Thomas Play Area

Vandals who damaged the safety surface of a new play area should not be tolerated, a leading councillor has said.

Cllr Greg Sheldon, Exeter City Council's Lead Councillor for Environment, was speaking after vandals delayed the opening on the new climbing net at St Thomas Play Area.

The yobs broke down metal fencing at the park and then walked over the setting safety surface causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Cllr Sheldon said: "Once again it is the selfish actions of a mindless few who are spoiling the enjoyment for everyone else. We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour - people are getting sick of it - particularly during times when money is hard to come by. I would urge anyone who knows anything about this incident, or indeed any other incidents of vandalism, to speak to the police."

The metal fencing panels were wrecked in the attack and the safety surfacing has had to be relaid.

The Council is also having to pay for a security company to monitor the site so that it doesn't get damaged again.

Contractors are now working around the clock to repair and finish the surfacing.

Anyone who knows anything about the incident should contact the police, quoting crime reference number DE136648.