PLAY equipment worth £12,000 has been destroyed by vandals just two months after being installed.

The innovative street snooker game, which was unveiled at Hullbridge Recreation Ground, in Pooles Lane, Hullbridge, in July, has been covered in graffiti - leaving villagers struggling to use it.

The equipment, inspired by a combination of snooker and football, was funded by Hullbridge Parish Council and Essex County Council.

It was targeted by yobs in a spree of vandalism.

Anne-Marie Bates, parish council clerk, said “We are lost for words for this mindless act of vandalism, a small minority spoil it for others. We and other organisations strive to fund better facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy and this is what happens.”

Street Snooker is a kick-wall game designed to help with co-ordination, maths skills and spacial awareness, and can be used by people of all ages and abilities.

The graffiti means players are unable to see the coloured targets where they need to aim balls to score points.

Mrs Bates added: “Unfortunately there has been a spate of graffiti and criminal damage at the recreation ground and pavilion in the village, and also antisocial behaviour in relation to drug use is widespread across the village.”

In July, public toilets at the park were temporarily closed after being vandalised by yobs.

Youngsters were spotted climbing on top of the pavilion in the recreation ground and swearing at people living nearby.

Deniz Borg, chairman of the parish council, said: “I’m very disappointed by the vandalism of the street snooker.

“It is an asset for Hullbridge village and it’s a real shame.

“We are trying to make the village a nice place. Hopefully it won’t happen again.”

Brian Carleton, chairman of the Hullbridge Residents Association, called on the authority to consider launching park patrols.

He said: “It’s a worry. There are all sorts of issues with this, there is parents’ control of children, security and whether there should be a park keeper.

“If you are going to spend that kind of money on play equipment then surely they should be taking care to make sure it’s safeguarded somehow.”

The parish council has reported the vandalism to Essex Police.

Any witnesses or anyone who recognises the graffiti tags can contact officers on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.