CCTV is to be installed at the recently-refurbished Spilsby play park following a spate of “appalling” vandalism.

The playground recently underwent a £180,000 transformation with new equipment – but it has been blighted by vandalism and anti-social behaviour since.

Several parents visiting the park with their young children have complained about “disgraceful” youths, allegedly swearing, spitting, littering and pouring fizzy drinks on the equipment. One woman said she was verbally abused when she took a photo of ‘youths’ throwing a chair and scarecrow down the slide.

Ellie Marsh, East Lindsey District Councillor for Spilsby said: “I was extremely disappointed to hear more damage has been caused by youths at the park.

Insets: The broken handrail and litter left at Spilsby play park. Main image: The ship-themed play equipment, which has also been targeted by vandals since being installed.

placeholder image — Insets: The broken handrail and litter left at Spilsby play park. Main image: The ship-themed play equipment, which has also been targeted by vandals since being installed.

“Spilsby Town Council has invested approximately £180,000 to improve this fantastic community space, only for it to be repeatedly damaged by mindless vandalism that spoils it for everyone.

“Sadly, we are now left with little choice but to install CCTV, at further expense. That's money that could have been spent on making the park even better for everyone to enjoy.”

The most recent incident, discovered on August 1, saw damage caused to a handrail on the accessible roundabout for a second time - making it unusable. Litter was also left scattered on the ground. The large ship-themed centre piece has also been targeted since it was first installedlast year.

Coun Ellie Marsh added: “The majority of the funding for the play area has come from the money the town council receives each year via council tax. It’s money from residents pockets and its being wasted by mindless vandalism. We would like to invest further but are worried that it is a waste if its just going to get damaged.”

Upright seats had to be removed from the accessible roundabout after they were damaged.

Taking to social media to highlight the issue, Coun Lee Marsh, from Spilsby Town Council, commented: “Over the last couple of years in the region of £180,000 as been spent on the new equip there.

“Unfortunately ever since it’s been installed, it’s been subject to vandalism and just recently the accessible roundabout has been damaged. This has meant we’ve had to divert budget from other areas to make those ongoing repairs. As well as that, we planned to have CCTV to cover the area when the recreational ground had its pavilion improved. But unfortunately because of the current issue with vandalism, we're going to have to use some of our budget to provide CCTV to cover that area.” He added: “This damage has been reported to the police.”

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “We are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage at the new children’s play area and multi-use games area on Ancaster Avenue in Spilsby. It is especially disappointing that a handrail installed on a roundabout to enable children with disabilities to use the equipment safely has been vandalised and has subsequently had to be removed.

“Additional patrols are being carried out in the area, and we would encourage anyone who may have information about the incident to contact us, quoting crime reference 26000468669.”