A COUNCIL has hit out at mindless vandals who have covered a town's skate park with obscene graffiti.

Workers from Shildon Town Council spent yesterday afternoon cleaning the writing off equipment, following the discovery of the obscene messages earlier this week.

Shildon Town Council clerk Mick Waterson said: "I don't think these people realise that it costs money and resources to clean the equipment.

"People using the park should not have to be subjected to that kind of language.

"A lot of money has been spent on the regeneration of Hackworth Park and it is upsetting that it is not being treated properly.

"I would urge anyone who may have seen these youths, or who witnesses similar incidents of vandalism or anti- social behaviour, to call the police immediately.''

Mr Waterson said it was possible that the culprits may have been caught on security cameras, and that footage was being checked.

Witnesses to any acts of vandalism are asked to call the police on 0845 60 60 365 or Shildon Town Council on (01388) 772563.