A DORSET attraction popular with families and walkers is to be staffed around the clock after it was targeted by thieves.

Security at Moors Valley Country Park in Ashley Heath will increase following a recent raid.

The offenders stole from the pay stations in the car park after breaking into the site either late on Sunday, October 21 or early on the morning of Monday, October 22.

Representatives for the park say that while the amount stolen was “not significant”, the thieves caused a large amount of costly damage.

Tracey Churcher, recreation manager for the Forestry Commission at Moors Valley, said the changes to security mean the park will be staffed at all hours.

“Following a recent night-time burglary which targeted the pay stations, we have decided to increase security on site to ensure the park is staffed 24-hours a day, seven days a week,” she said.

“These rare incidents are very disappointing but we hope the additional security will prevent any further issues and provide reassurance to all our visitors that there will always be a staff member on site even when the visitor centre is closed.”

The park is a joint venture between East Dorset District Council and the Forestry Commission.

Councillor Barbara Manuel, district council portfolio holder for the environment, said: “Moors Valley is one of the biggest attractions in the whole of the south.

“It’s always up for awards, many of which it wins.

“It’s very popular indeed.

“To hear it has been targeted by thieves in this way is tragic.

“It’s very sad to hear that this has happened.”

Moors Valley initially opened in 1988. At the time, the site featured a nine-hole pay and play course, a narrow-gauge steam railway, a play area, a lake and visitor centre.

In 1990, an additional 170 acres were purchased to allow for an expansion of the golf course and a second lake to be built.

The visitor centre was also extended and a tree-top trail and play trail were constructed.

More than 750,000 people visit the attraction every year and it is one of the most popular country parks in the south.

The cost of parking during the October half-term is £3.50 for one hour, £7 for one to two hours, £9 for two to four hours and £10 for more than four hours.

For more information on Moors Valley, visit moors-valley.co.uk