By Julie Morgan

Last updated 16:01, Wednesday, 21 May 2008

VANDALS have wrecked two Copeland play areas causing damage totalling more than £28,000.

A climbing frame, part of a fence and a tyre swing, which was set on fire, were ruined in a mindless attack at the Jacktrees Road play site, Cleator Moor. And the play-park on the Welfare ground at Kells was also damaged after vandals pulled up the rubber matting that provides safe, soft ground for youngsters.

Part of the park is now closed.

Council spokeswoman Leila Cox said: “At the Jacktrees Road site the vandals have pulled the climbing frame and rocked it back and forth so much that it has broken. It is not repairable and obviously, for safety reasons, it has had to be removed.

“To replace it will cost at least £10,000. At the same time part of the fence was wrecked (which will cost around £1,000 to put right) and, recently at the same play park, a tyre swing was set on fire. This follows vandalism at the play-park on the Welfare Ground at Kells which will cost £18-20,000 to replace.

“Obviously there is a maintenance budget for play areas, but it can’t cover this scale of damage. At the moment there is no budget to replace the equipment, though officers are making efforts to find alternative sources of funding.

Coun Hugh Branney, portfolio holder for children and leisure, said: “It’s a great pity that a few destroy the pleasure and play of many. we will do what we can to seek new funding streams for these repairs.

“We would also urge residents to help identify the people responsible for such vandalism. If they see anything they should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”