Playground left wrecked by yobs

Vandals went on a wrecking spree at a Shropshire playground throwing paint over equipment and destroying toys. The yobs even trashed presents that were wrapped ready for needy families at Christmas.

Owners of the HomeStart playground in Oswestry today said the damage will cost a fortune to repair and are appealing for information to find the culprits. Staff believe a gang of youngsters could be responsible.

They were seen loitering near the HomeStart headquarters in Unicorn Road. Staff discovered the damage yesterday but it is believed to have happened at about 8pm on Sunday.

Paint was thrown over safety surfacing, toys were smashed and a sandpit ruined. They are now appealing for public help in repairing the playground.

The charity helps families with at least one child under the age of five. Co-ordinator Anna Martin said the playground, behind its office, was invaluable.

"The playground had been destroyed, we are devastated," she said.

Having failed to prise open the front door to the HomeStart offices the vandals tipped soil and debris through the letter box.

They then broke into the playground and into a play shed and systematically destroyed everything.

"Paint has been thrown over all the safety surfacing which is going to cost a fortune to repair, as well as over toys and in the sandpit," said Mrs Martin.

"Toys have been broken, the sandpit and water play feature destroyed and even our Christmas decorations ruined.

"They have also destroyed presents that were wrapped up ready to give to needy families at Christmas."

Residents say they saw youngsters as young as eight in the area on Sunday.

"If people did see anything they should contact the police or even contact us anonymously," said Mrs Martin. "If the children were as young as eight they should not have been running round the streets at that time of night. They would probably have got home with paint on their clothes and shoes."

Mrs Martin is appealing for support, having had to cancel one meeting. She said: "If any businesses can help us to mend the play area and replace the toys we would be very grateful."

By Sue Austin