A POPULAR play area was damaged by thoughtless vandals at the weekend.

Part of the playground at Darlington’s South Park had to be cordoned off after vandals created a danger by breaking wooden boards.

Darlington Borough Council acted quickly to block off the area for safety reasons.

On Monday morning, a spokeswoman said a joiner had been asked to go to the park to put a temporary repair in place.

She said: “Sadly, the play area in South Park was vandalised over the weekend.

“Staff attended and blocked off the affected area for safety.

“A joiner will be on site this morning (Monday) to put a temporary repair in place.

“This will involve a board being securely attached over the affected area until a permanent repair can be made.

“Please be aware that this will only be a temporary measure.”

Members of the public took to the internet to criticise the act of vandalism and called for CCTV cameras and better lighting to be installed in the park, as well as suggesting more police patrols could deter vandals.

  • Anyone with information about the incident should call Darlington Police on non-emergency number 101.