Residents have condemned the vandals who damaged a canopy at an Abbots Langely community green.

Peter Scott, chairman of the Hillside Residents Association has criticised the damage at School Mead, which Hertfordshire Constabulary is treating as criminal.

He said: "A substantial amount of money went to redeveloping School Mead. It’s been done to a nice specification. These idiots don’t seem to realise it’s not just for them and their mates. It’s for their mums and dads and grandparents as well."

Police Constable David Herring, from Abbots Langley Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "A report was received by the Safer Neighbourhood Team via a voicemail left on the local police station’s phone.

"Although officers are now investigating the incident we would always encourage people to report crime to police via the non-emergency number 101 so incidents can be investigated promptly and that officers can be allocated immediately if necessary.

"We are aware of anti-social behaviour in this area and are working with local residents and shop keepers to deal with this issue. The area is regularly patrolled and anyone causing anti-social behaviour or involved with any other offences will be dealt with robustly."