COSTLY repairs are under way to a North-East park’s celebrated monument after it was vandalised.

Staff were left devastated when they discovered extensive damage had been caused to the grade II-listed Temple of Minerva, in Sedgefield’s Hardwick Park.

The 18th Century landmark’s main door, a window and external cabling was damaged.

Repairs at the Durham County Council-owned park are likely to cost in the region of £2,000.

Steve Howell, the authority’s head of culture and sport, said: “The Temple of Minerva is extremely popular with the more than 450,000 visitors who come to Green Flag winning Hardwick Park each year so it has been really disappointing for both staff and regulars to see this rare act of mindless vandalism.

“We are working closely with Durham Constabulary in its investigation into the damage and would appeal for anyone with information to contact the force on the 101 non-emergency number.”

It is understood the damage was caused sometime overnight between Friday, August 3, and Saturday, August 4.

The door has now been repaired, and the remainder of the damage is expected to be rectified within the next week.

Hardwick Park posted about the damage to the historic feature on Facebook on Monday, August 6.

The post stated: “Groups of teenagers regularly gather around this area most weekends but this damage is shocking.”

The post was shared 200 times and 115 comments were left.

Among those who left comments was Sandra Winn McDonnell, who said: “This is shocking. Why do people feel the need to damage buildings and other property that does not belong to them?

“Total disrespect and disregard. Hope those responsible are soon caught and severely punished.”

And Steve Dougan said: “Teenagers do stupid things, they always have and always will. CCTV with an audio warning would prevent this.

“I think the council need to review security at the park.”

The Temple of Minerva, constructed in the 18th Century, was one of four gothic ruins restored as part of a £4.1m Heritage Lottery Funded project which was completed by Durham County Council in 2010.