A newly revamped Letchworth play area has been vandalised less than a week after the official reopening.

The Comet: Jackmans play area has just received a revamp and was vandalised less than a week after reopening. Picture: DANNY LOOJackmans play area has just received a revamp and was vandalised less than a week after reopening. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

The refurbished playground on the Jackmans estate was officially unveiled by North Herts District Council members on Thursday, but has already seen the swings and slide area spray painted with graffiti by vandals.

The new play area was delivered as part of a joint project between North Herts District Council and outdoor community charity Groundwork Hertfordshire.

Councillor David Barnard, NHDC’s executive member for leisure, said: “We are greatly saddened by this mindless act of vandalism on the play area at Jackmans Central.

“This is a brand new play area, designed for local families to enjoy.

The Comet: Jackmans play area has just received a revamp and was vandalised shortly after reopening. Picture: DANNY LOOJackmans play area has just received a revamp and was vandalised shortly after reopening. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

“While the damage is being put right, children will be denied being able to use this wonderful play equipment during their school holidays.

“To see it vandalised in this manner is appalling.

“It is the tax payers who have to foot the bill to clear up graffiti such as this.

“This money could be far better spent elsewhere.

The Comet: Councillors and representatives from Groundwork Hertfordshire unveiled the newly refurbished play area last week - it has now been vandalised. Picture: NHDCCouncillors and representatives from Groundwork Hertfordshire unveiled the newly refurbished play area last week - it has now been vandalised. Picture: NHDC (Image: Archant)

“If you have any information about the culprit, please get in touch by calling the council or the police on non-emergency number 101.”

The playground previously consisted of only swings, a roundabout and a climbing frame.

It is is now filled with a wide variety of equipment, including a nest swing, gym equipment, revamped tyre swings, football goals and more.

To decide what equipment would be installed, the district council commissioned Groundwork Hertfordshire to carry out a public consultation with residents in the area.

Before the vandalism, Julia Watts, senior landscape architect at Groundwork, said: “This has been a great project to work on, with a variety of different ideas coming from the local community.

“I hope the residents enjoy the new park that they have helped to create for years to come.”

Results from the consultation were used as part of the design process and the council provided £75,000 in funding for the upgrade.

To contact the council with information or concerns about graffiti in the area, call 01462 474000.