VANDALS ripped up turf and stuffed it into a “buddy swing” at a park which had been newly refurbished with children from a hospice in mind.

The damage at Lewesdon Drive play area in Broadstone, Poole, happened last weekend. The park had only reopened the previous week after it was refurbished as part of the government-funded Playbuilder project.

It had been updated with special equipment, including the buddy swing – a swing with a large basket where children can lie down – so that it could be used by disabled children from nearby Julia’s House.

The damage has angered local residents, including Karen Smith who lives nearby.

She said: “The new area has brought so much enjoyment since it reopened last week. It is a disgrace that thoughtless individuals are misusing it yet again.”

Richard Nicholson, greenspace development team leader, Borough of Poole, said: “The play area in Lewesdon Drive has experienced some antisocial behaviour in the past and local residents have worked hard to resolve these issues.

“We worked closely with residents on the improvements being made to the park and we are all extremely disappointed about the vandalism that has followed its recent refurbishment.

“Fortunately, there was no damage to the buddy swing and the damage caused to the turf was minor and will be repaired shortly.”

The park is locked each night by residents and reopened by Continental Landscapes in the morning.