A new climbing frame recently installed at Bancroft Recreation Ground has been deliberately vandalised, North Herts District Council has said.

Reports that the equipment had been deliberately broken were made to the council on August 1 and police are now appealing for anyone who saw it being damaged.

The council has issued a statement saying: “A number of metal spheres holding the frame together have been badly damaged, which would have required a lot of force.

“There has also been deliberate damage to the tyre swing. The damage has been reported to the police, however NHDC is now calling on members of the public to come forward if they witnessed anything and also to be vigilant while in the park to help prevent further incidents occurring.”

The climbing frame is currently being fixed by contractors, Land Unit Construction Ltd.

Councillor Jane Gray, NHDC’s executive member for leisure, said: “It is incredibly disappointing to see that this new equipment has been deliberately damaged.

“We appeal to the public to contact the Police on the non-emergency number 101 to report any vandalism witnessed, so we can try and take steps to prevent this from happening and spoiling the enjoyment of the park for other users.”