VANDALS took a saw to equipment in Alton's Public Gardens last Sunday night causing an estimated £1,000 worth of damage to a climbing frame and the town's band stand.
According to deputy town clerk, Greg Burt, the wooden climbing frame has had large sections cut out of it rendering it unusable and the band stand has a hole in its wall.
Police reports state that damage to the climbing frame totals £600, while the bandstand damage will cost £400 to repair.
Angered by what he describes as "a mindless act of wanton vandalism", Mr Burt points out that while Alton Town Council has been striving hard to provide more equipment for older children in the Public Gardens, this sort of setback will not encourage councillors to spend more public money on facilities if they are not respected and looked after. "It is a waste of public money which could be better spent on other things," he said.
Alton Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred between 9 am on Sunday and 7 am on Monday. Anyone who may have seen the incident should contact Pc Mike Ashworth at Alton Police Station on 0845 045 45 45.