REPAIRS costing hundreds of pounds have been carried out to a vandalised play area in Backwell. Backwell Parish Council was forced to foot the bill to repair damaged fencing at the play area at Downside. Hooligans ripped off the gate to the children's pl

REPAIRS costing hundreds of pounds have been carried out to a vandalised play area in Backwell.Backwell Parish Council was forced to foot the bill to repair damaged fencing at the play area at Downside. Hooligans ripped off the gate to the children's play park and pulled out 25 of the fencing slats during an attack over the summer holidays.Backwell Parish Council chairman Colin Pope said: "The area is fenced off to keep out dogs which use the surrounding fields."The fencing is very important as we don't want dogs getting in there and leaving mess behind. "We presume the damage was done by older youngsters who are using the facility, but the play area is meant for younger children, not teenagers."On certain occasions, youths have been seen sitting on the swings. This has recently resulted in damage to the play equipment which has meant it has had to be taken away and repaired."We have informed police of the vandalism and we are urging the public to contact the police if they see any suspicious activity in the area."The play area was opened in 2002 and funded by grants from the Countryside Agency and Bristol International Airport.Cllr Pope added: "This is the first incident of vandalism we have had since the play area opened. The parish council wanted to provide an amenity for the young people of Downside who otherwise had to travel to Backwell to access play facilities.