A PLAY area which had to be shut after it was deemed unsafe due to vandalism should reopen before the end of the school summer holidays.

Chilton Town Council was forced to make the decision to lock West Chilton play area earlier this month after equipment was damaged.

The acts of vandalism included the plastic seat of a swing being set alight and bits broken off other equipment which had be removed, leaving a dangerous post in the ground.

Incidents have also been reported at The Pentlands play area.

Town clerk Paul Gray said the council has arranged for the repairs, along with essential maintenance, to be carried out at the site by Durham County Council on Wednesday, August 31.

He said: “We are looking to have it reopened the same day, with a few days of the holidays left to enjoy.”

Mr Gray said councillors and staff were disappointed to have to shut the play area and urged residents to be vigilant and help look after their neighbourhood.

He said: “We didn’t want to lock the play area but it wasn’t safe to have children running around the broken equipment, especially the spike sticking out the ground and members made the decision to replace the equipment as soon as we can.

“We’ve ordered a new spica which children stand and swing round on, a replacement sunflower swing and a springer for smaller children.

“By the time we’ve bought that and paid for fitting it will cost us £2,000, although we have contingency funds, it ultimately comes out of ratepayers’ money.”

It is suspected that young people from the Chilton area are responsible for causing the damage.

Vandalism was also an issue at play areas in the village during the 2015 summer holidays.

Mr Gray said: “We’d urge people to be mindful of what their children are doing.

“If they are damaging equipment ultimately they are impacting upon local families’ enjoyment of facilities and the cost comes out of their pockets.”

Anyone who witnesses anti social behaviour is urged to contact Chilton Town Council, which could be in confidence, on 01388-721788 or the police on 101.