MEMBERS of the public are being asked to help beat the vandals plaguing a Ferryhill park.

The town's King George V playing field is undergoing a big redevelopment.

Phase two of the scheme, costing £80,000, is well underway and includes provision of new footpaths, tree planting, installation of youth shelters, seats and improvements to play areas.

But the developers' efforts are being constantly hampered by vandals.

Recent examples include stones used in constructing the footpaths being thrown through the windows of nearby Broom Cottages school, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Several panels on play equipment have been badly damaged and have had to be replaced at a cost of £400 each.

The most recent act of vandalism came this week when 15 out of 40 newly planted trees were snapped in half.

Ferryhill Town Council leader Joe Chaplin said: "It is very disappointing to see a minority spoiling this project for everybody."

Jamie Corrigan, the council's executive officer, said: "All of this damage costs the taxpayer. Each time an act like this happens it increases people's council tax. It is delaying the project, it wastes valuable time and resources and we can't get on with other things because we are having to go back and carry out repairs."

He said the park was covered by CCTV cameras.

Anyone witnessing an act of vandalism is asked to telephone Sedgefield Borough Council on (01388) 721351 and ask the camera operator to focus on the incident