A PARK that underwent a major refurbishment programme is being blighted by vandalism and fly-tipping.

Blackhill and Consett Park, which is owned by Derwentside District Council, was restored in a £1.4m scheme in 2002. But park officers were horrified this week to discover that trees have been chopped down.

Heritage Park development officer Maria McArdle said: "People cannot just go sawing down trees. This is criminal damage."

A recent clear-up of the area by volunteers, organised by Ms McArdle, uncovered tonnes of garden waste dumped in the woodland.

"The fly-tipping has obviously been going on for a long time," she said.

"This is the equivalent of someone cutting down their neighbour's tree, or tipping their waste into next door's garden."

The council has sent letters to residents in Aynsley Terrace and West Promenade, which both face on to the park, warning that officers will be on the lookout for the offenders.

"The wood is not only a very important part of the park, which is on council property, but is within the designated Blackhill conservation area," said Ms McArdle.

"It's a shame that a small number of individuals aren't willing to go the extra yard to contribute and safeguard the future of the facility."

Trees have also been sawed down on the nearby Blue Heaps site, which residents are campaigning to have registered as a village green.

A volunteer group called the Friends of the Park, set up last year to maintain Blackhill and Consett Park, is planning to carry out monthly clean-ups to stay on top of the problem.

Anyone interested in helping out or joining the group should contact Ms McArdle on (01207) 218019.