Bid to beat the vandals

Residents have complained the play area, in Wheeler Avenue, has been a hotbed for troublemakers for a number of years.

Tenants using nearby allotments have been targeted regularly by vandals.

Terry Reynolds, 58, of Wheeler Avenue, has suffered a catalogue of anti-social incidents ranging from his greenhouse being smashed to his shed being burnt. When he replaced the shed, the second one was also burnt.

He said: "For years now that playground has been the bane of our lives.

"The kids gather around the playground, drinking and swearing, then cause damage on nearby allotments.

"Vegetables that I spent months growing would be ripped out.

"Then, if I ever approached the kids, the damage the next day would be even worse.

"It was becoming the norm to wake up on a Sunday morning to see the allotment in a real state.

"They would just come and go doing whatever damage they thought fit.

"Hopefully now that the playground is set to be closed, the trouble will die down."

Councillors voted unanimously to close the playground.

Coun Deborah Baylies (Con, St Philip) said: "There have been problems at this playground for quite some time.

"Youths have been gathering at the site and then moving on to nearby residents' allotments and causing serious damage. The youths were also abusive to residents. It is hoped that by closing the playground and taking the equipment away, the youths might not hang around the area."

Residents have stated that they feared taking their young children there.

The area is now strewn with broken bottles and rubbish and the playground equipment is covered in graffiti.

The equipment a small slide, a climbing frame and four swings will soon be removed and it is thought the area will be grassed over.

A police spokesman said: "We are aware that there have been problems in the area and our community officers have been liaising with the crime and disorder team as well as the local council to try to minimise problems."

Emma-Kate Lidbury