Children could have been injured after "thoughtless" vandals damaged play equipment at an adventure playground, according to the council.

Councillor Asif Khan said the Harebreaks adventurous playground looked like a “complete disaster zone” as he walked past on Wednesday morning, with litter and discarded clothes strewn across the floor.

On closer inspection he saw that a wooden bridge forming part of the playground equipment had been torn from its frame on one corner, leaving it hanging precariously.

“I strongly condemn the vandalism done to the play equipment, which could endanger children,” said Cllr Khan.

After reporting the vandalism to Watford Borough Council, Cllr Khan saw families with children and dogs starting to enter the area.

Watford Observer:

He rushed back to his office to grab a litter picker and began clearing the area, which he said was scattered with sanitary towels, discarded clothes and general rubbish.

Head of parks Paul Rabbitts said the council took instances of criminal damage “extremely seriously”, especially where children and young people’s safety was involved.

“Whilst a few individuals have wilfully chosen to damage our amazing new play structure at Harebreaks, we completed the repairs needed – at zero cost – on the same morning the damage was reported,” he said.

“So the good news is that the adventurous playground is open and safe so young people can get on with enjoying what is a really popular facility during their Easter holidays.

“The council takes this type of criminal damage extremely seriously as it could risk our children and young people’s safety but thanks to our investment in what is very sturdy play equipment their thoughtless attempt to spoil other people’s fun hasn’t had a significant impact.” 

Cllr Khan said the recent damage was proof that the supervised Harebreaks adventure playground, which was torn down earlier this year, should never have been removed.

However Mr Rabbitts said, as the damage was caused at night, supervision would not have stopped the perpetrators.

He added: “We diligently monitor and maintain each of our 29 parks, gardens and recreation grounds, each of our 52 play areas, and our skate park – all of them unsupervised.

“Where damage does occur, we fix it as soon as possible – in this case, within hours of the attack – so Watford’s attractions can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.”