SECURITY guards will patrol parks in response to a rising tide of crime which peaked with the recent sickening attack on a park keeper.

Gangs of teenagers have turned Spelthorne's parks into virtual no-go zones with mindless vandalism and graffiti scarring the environment.

The park patrols expected to begin next week are part of a raft of measures ordered by Spelthorne Borough Council and police in a bid reassure staff and users that they are safe for them and their young children to visit.

According to Cllr John Packman, deputy leader and portfolio holder for crime and disorder, the problem of youths roaming parks looking for trouble has cost the council and the parks department dearly.

"An increasing problem both locally and nationwide is gangs of youths out late at night and generally carrying out acts of vandalism and hooliganism," he said.

"Damaging park buildings, pavilions and scout huts, they are causing grave concerns. The British Red Cross building in Staines Park at Knowle Green is just one that has been targeted.

"If we are having to spend vast sums of money removing graffiti, repairing vandalised buildings and park equipment, that is money that has been earmarked for other projects which then have to be shelved."

The security guards are already familiar with the probelms after they were called in over the summer to put a stop to them, but they have re-emerged over the last couple of weeks since their departure.

A number of short-term measures, such as extra protection for vulnerable buildings, cutting back trees to reduce danger spots, mobile CCTV cameras and additional police patrols will also be used in the fight against young vandals.

However, Cllr Packman insisted that it was the responsibility of parents to keep their children under control.

"I am concerned and angered by this situation, and it is the parents who have to take responsibility. Surely they have to question the fact that their children are out on the streets at 9, 10 even 11pm?" he said. "I cannot go along with the line I've been fed that they are bored and have nothing to do it really is no excuse for the behaviour we're seeing."

By.Abi Dornan