COUNCILLORS and residents have slammed the actions of vandals who wrecked a Middlewich play area as an 'absolute disgrace'.

Residents living near the play area in Moss Drive, Cledford, say they are devastated that a group of youths have torn up the flooring on the park - almost a year after the play area was first trashed.

One woman, who does not wish to be named, says anti-social behaviour in the Cledford area is 'getting out of hand'.

She said: "I can't believe that they've done this again, it's devastating. They've ripped up the safety flooring and there's just a big hole in it down to the concrete. It's not safe for the little ones to use now, they could really injure themselves if they fall over."

"This happened last year before the summer holidays, I can't believe it's been done again."

Mike Hunter, from CW10residents, said: "Vandalism of any play area is a disgrace and the people, whoever they are, from whatever community, should be absolutely ashamed.

"Not only does this have a financial cost to the borough council to replace and refurbish, it also has a social cost because it lowers the general atmosphere of the area."

He added: "Unfortunately it isn't the first time this has happened. Middlewich has suffered in the past from vandalism in a number of play areas."

Town councillor Paul Edwards added: "Unfortunately this is the mindset that we are up against.

"It's the smaller children who lose out because of this and it's an absolute disgrace."

Gareth Edwards, section manager for grounds and cleansing at Congleton Borough Council, said the tarmac had been ripped up over the course of a few days in the past week but said it was difficult for community wardens to monitor such behaviour.

He said: "We have so many play areas across the borough and this type of thing usually happens after dark."

The borough council is now looking into quotes for repairs and Mr Edwards hopes the park will be repaired within the month.