A PARK has been stripped of its play equipment after vandals repeatedly set fire to it.

When Swan Mead Park was first vandalised, contractors were instructed to remove a wooden galleon ship along with other items, as the playground was left in a state “beyond repair”.

But when it happened again at the site in Church Road, Vange, Basildon Council ruled that all the items must be taken out to make it safe.

The future of play at the park will now form part of the council’s ongoing review, which families are invited to take part in later this year.

Vange Councillor Aidan McGurran, said: “It is frustrating to see problems of anti-social behaviour in the park. Young children use this equipment, especially as lockdown is lifted.

“It was the main bit of wooden equipment like the galleon ship which was set alight, and damage was caused from vandalism on other apparatus too.

“Because of the material of that structure, if it is set alight it can of course spread. It’s such a shame to see.

“As a result of this selfish behaviour council staff have decided the play equipment had to be removed, but I’m told it will hopefully be replaced although I’m not sure when this is. I just hope that it will be back better than before, perhaps with metal equipment.”

David Harrison, chairman of the neighbourhoods and public spaces committee, added: “This site has been subject to repeated vandalism and arson attacks which is a disgrace and a great shame for those who did respect this equipment. I’d encourage the community to give their views on the future of play in this area as part of the review later this year.”

A Basildon Council spokesman, said only the damaged parts were scheduled to be removed but since that decision further damage rendered it beyond repair. The equipment had to be removed to make the site safe.

They added: “Contractors are removing the play equipment at Swan Mead.

“A final report for the play review will be going to the neighbourhoods and public spaces committee before the end of the municipal year.”