Yobs who are repeatedly vandalising a purpose-built children's playground in New Addington are slowly destroying it, council officials this week revealed.

Despite daily patrols by Croydon Council security, the £40,000 Hares Bank playground on Addington Vale has been set alight, daubed with graffiti and had its play equipment damaged since it opened five months ago.

Now council officers are calling on residents to keep their eyes open for the vandals when they strike next, urging them to call police or contact the local authority's 24-hour security control room.

The state-of-the-art Hares Bank playground has only been open since July and was a direct response to repeated requests for the facility from residents. It has already suffered more than £6,000 of damage and council officials fear the vandals will destroy it if they are not stopped.

Shaun Kiddell, parks development manager at Croydon Council, is urging residents to play their part in looking after the amenity.

He said: "The residents of New Addington were constantly asking us to supply them with a playground for their children so now we have to ask them for help in looking after it.

"Local parents and youth workers, as well as the local MP, campaigned so hard to get this playground built. It would be such a shame if this destruction eventually destroys it."

Councillor Raj Chandarana, Croydon's cabinet member for cultural services, said: "This sort of mindless vandalism just beggars belief. The Hares Bank facilities have been provided in direct response to requests from the local community and meet a very real need.

"Yet a small minority, for whatever reason, seem intent on destroying them. All they are doing is kicking the rest of the community in the teeth."

Anyone witnessing vandalism should contact police or the council's 24-hour security control room on 020 8686 4433.

December 6, 2001 11:30