A NEW children's play area has been targeted by vandals before it has even opened.

A new play garden is currently being built at Winton Recreation Ground following a big fundraising drive by the council and the community.

But those looking forward to its opening were disappointed to see it vandalised while still under construction.

A sharp tool was used to carve obscene graffiti into a wooden drawbridge at the new play area, while equipment in the existing playground was also targeted. The damage has cost £1,445 to repair.

Cllr Pat Oakley, who represents Winton East, said: “It’s a real shame because so much effort has gone into securing the funding for that playground and it looks like it will be a fantastic asset for the children of the year.

“I’m absolutely fuming, it’s absolutely senseless.

“Now we’re asking everyone who lives round there to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour and report any further incidents to the police immediately.”

The Winton Play Garden won a £50,000 Big Lottery Fund grant in The People’s Millions competition, a sum that was matched by Bournemouth council. The project aims to turn a disused bowling green into a play and activity garden, which will contain specialist play equipment for children with special educational needs. Local scouts, brownies, guides and other local clubs will be able to use the garden.

Michael Rowland, parks development manager, said: “We have had to let the police know about some damage to the new and existing areas of Winton Play Garden, all caused by a sharp tool.

“Repairing and replacing play equipment in parks is really expensive and it’s especially disappointing when things are spoiled before they’ve even been opened it up for people to play on.

“It’s sad that vandalism to our playgrounds and parks happen, it means that money that could be spent on improving our parks for everyone has to be used to repair the damage caused by a small minority of people. We’d like to ask whoever is doing this to stop, think and put their energy into something more constructive.

“Parks are there for all of us to enjoy and once completed the new Winton Play Garden will provide a nature and sensory inspired space that’s there for all children.”