Glastonbury Road park on the Beanfield estate in Corby cost £50,000 to upgrade and was officially opened just two months ago.

But since then youngsters have vandalised the area, drawing on play equipment, breaking some of it and putting part of it out of use.

The park was built after extensive local consultations by Beanfield ward councillors Mary Butcher and Ann Brown.

It has a maze and climbing frame in the shape of a boat.

Cllr Butcher said: "It's so disappointing.

"We were quietly very proud of the park and we have heard that people have been coming from across the town to use it.

"In the past two years all the partner agencies have worked really hard to provide community facilities on the Beanfield estate.

"We have even opened a youth club for the teenagers so they don't get bored and do something like this.

"They told us they had nothing to do so we provided activities for them.

"I just want to know why they did it, and what makes them think they have the right to destroy something that was meant for the whole community.

"If we find out who has done it then we hope they will come and clean it off."

The council now faces a large bill to fix the equipment and clean off the graffiti.

Corby Council leader Pat Fawcett said: "The damage that's been done to this play area is disgusting and I would like to see whoever is responsible caught and prosecuted."

Sgt Julie Mead, of Corby Central Safer Community Team, said: "We are aware of a number of complaints of criminal
damage at the Beanfield playground and as a consequence have been regularly patrolling the area alongside the neighbourhood wardens.

"We are working closely with our partners and have engaged with the Corby JAM youth work team to work with local children and help divert them away from crime and educate them about people's concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour."

Anyone who knows anything about the vandalism is asked to telephone the police on 03000 111 222.