LINDFORD'S playground in the Triangle may be closed if the recent spate of vandalism continues, it was announced on Monday.

Parish councillors are fed up with having to replace equipment which has been damaged or destroyed by youngsters.

The most recent damage happened last Friday when bins in the playground were burnt out and the fire brigade had to be called.

Some parish councillors were concerned that if the playground was closed, it would mean the vandals had won.

Previous vandalism has included damage to the wire mesh fence, a second bin destroyed and broken glass scattered around the play equipment.

It was agreed by councillors that a letter outlining the problems should be sent to Whitehill police.

Parish council chairman Ian Skelton Smith released a statement to The Herald, appealing for villagers to help identify the teenagers responsible for the damage.

"Criminal acts of this sort are a serious problem in any situation. In what should be a safe area for young children to play, they pose a particularly disturbing threat.

"If they continue, the council may have to consider closing the playground."

The bin fire was started at about 3-30 pm.

Said Mr Skelton-Smith: "The burning of the second rubbish bin occurred at a time when it is highly likely that there were witnesses.

"If you are able to provide any information which may enable us to find out who is responsible for this or any of the other incidents, please contact the parish clerk Wendy Noe, or Whitehill police."

Lindford Parish Council is also calling for the police to be more pro-active in tackling vandalism at the Triangle playground.

"We feel more regular visits by police officers, particularly in the evening, would deter vandals and might even lead to the apprehension of an offender."

Speaking at Monday's meeting, Eric Birkett said the threats to close the playground were all very well, but the parish council would have to show it meant what it said.

He believed by continuing to threaten the closure of the Triangle and by not doing anything, the parish council was sending a message to the vandals that they could keep getting away with damaging the equipment.

"Sooner or later we have got to act."