YOUNG vandals have been striking with alarming regularity in Alderbury.

Their main target has been the toddlers' playground, which has suffered numerous attacks and acts of graffiti during the past month.

The fire brigade had to be called out after yobs set fire to the seat of a swing. One mother contacted the police after broken glass from bottles of beer was found among wood chippings in the play area.

The playground, which is at the top end of the recreation ground, was this year the subject of a by-law prohibiting anyone older than 13 using the facilities.

Parish council chairman Richard Britton said: "Gangs of youths have been causing mayhem with their rowdy behaviour. I am concerned because there is a group of people adopting a different set of standards to the rest of the village.

"The weekends are worst and it is getting to the point where you wake up and wonder if there will still be a playground in the morning."

Acting Alderbury Sgt Richard Goodman confirmed there had been some unpleasant incidents in recent weeks but said the situation was now under control. He said: "We now have names of a group who were found at the playground. We have spoken to their parents and we hope that will be an end to the matter."