A PLAYGROUND created in memory of a man who died of a rare heart condition has been plagued by vandals.

Play equipment has been burnt and daubed in graffiti and broken glass has been left scattered on the ground at the Jason Adams memorial playground, in Shipwrights Drive, Thundersley.

The playground was created in memory of Mr Adams, from Benfleet, a popular tip worker who collapsed and died of a heart attack minutes before being treated in Southend Hospital in May 2004.

The £55,000 facility has been targeted by vandals on a daily basis since it opened in July 2006, and cost Castle Point Council about £4,000 to repair last year.

Parks officer for Castle Point Council, Tony Doveaston, 58, has called the constant battle with the vandals “soul destroying”.

He said: “It’s really frustrating, and so sad. I wish they would just leave it alone. It’s just a lack of respect and appreciation.”

Mr Adams’s family, who raised more than £28,000 to set up the playground, said the damage was very upsetting.

His sister, Melanie Crumpton, 42, of Scrub Lane, Hadleigh, said: “It’s very distressing considering all the effort put in to opening the playground.

“I take my ten-year-old daughter there but some of the graffiti is disgusting.

“The vandals don’t think of all the hurt they are causing.”

Castle Point’s cabinet member for environment and leisure, Peter Burch, said: “We are upset about any graffiti, but especially in a playground built through fundraising in memory of someone.

“It’s upsetting for the family, as they want to remember their son in a good light.”

Speaking about what the council is doing to combat the problem, he added: “As soon as we are informed about any graffiti, we try to get it off straight away.”

l If you spot any vandalism in the borough, call 01268 758357.