Families gathered at the new area, which is at Tarring Recreation Ground, for the first time last Monday to make use of its ball court, teen shelter and outdoor fitness equipment.

But by Thursday, August 7, graffiti had been sprayed on the walls and two pieces of fitness equipment had been made unusable by vandals.

Council officials taped up the equipment and placed "not in use" signs on them.

Spoilt it

A Tarring resident, who lives near the rec, said: "It was such a lovely day here.

"To see families enjoying themselves was great. But now these yobs have come along and spoilt it.

"Many of us weren't enthralled when we first heard about plans for the games area as we do have a lot of problems with yobs.

"We also were not told it was going to cost £73,000 and this has outraged a lot of people."

Petty vandalism

Chris Bradley, the council's park manager, said: "Unfortunately, this sort of petty vandalism does happen.

"We are not naïve enough to think a new piece of equipment will stay in a new condition for very long.

"There are inconsiderate people out there who will mess up the nicest things. Sadly, this is normal."

Spoilt for majority

Tarring ward borough councillor Hazel Thorpe said: "We did feel that the new equipment would be tested to its limits, and this happened very quickly.

"I understand that at this moment the equipment is being repaired.

"It is a shame a few spoil it for the majority.

"But, as with graffiti, we must tell the few that it won't be tolerated.

"The community support police are looking into putting CCTV in that area so the vandals can be caught on camera."

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