A COMMUNITY has vowed to fight on against the vandals who have robbed toddlers of their play area.

Youngsters from St Helen Auckland have been left without a play area at Fountains Square, over the bank holiday weekend after youths ripped up safety tiles.

County and district councillor for St Helen, Sonny Douthwaite, said: "This is a group of mindless vandals who are a minority.

"This is part of an ongoing problem we are having. They are trying to pull St Helen down to the ground, but we will beat them in the end.''

A new bus shelter installed in Manor Road has also been a constant target with glass regularly left strewn across the footpath.

Coun Douthwaite said that firefighters are also frequently called out to houses earmarked for demolition in the village because youths are lighting small fires.

"All I can say is what sort of people are they? The kids have been deprived of their play area," said Coun Douthwaite.

A spokesperson for Wear Valley District Council, which has taken the tiles away from the site, said it could be some time before the area could be repaired, with the estimated cost of damage about £500.

He said: "The community of St Helen should be proud of their recent achievements having worked jointly with the council and Groundwork to provide new recreation facilities in the area.

"Unfortunately, there is a minority of irresponsible people spoiling things for everyone else. This matter has been reported to the police."