A PLAYGROUND destroyed by arsonists just three months after it opened will soon be back to its best.

Billericay Town Council has promised the popular play area in Lake Meadows will be repaired so youngsters can enjoy the rope climbing frame, shelter and space net during the summer holidays.

The playground, opened in February, was targeted at the beginning of this month by vandals who set fire to the rubber matting under the climbing frame.

Flames spread to the climbing frame, causing £25,000 of damage.

Peter Bowditch, the town council chairman, said: “The manufacturers have been out to see the equipment and said they’ve never seen such bad damage. They’re currently looking at repairs.

“I want to reassure everyone the equipment will be put back as soon as possible.”

Mr Bowditch said the equipment is insured and police would be looking at new security in the play area.

He said: “We’re very disappointed by what happened, that a few people would want to do that and ruin an area where young people can play on brand new equipment.

“There are concerns about activity and safety down there and I know the police will be looking into it.

“At the end of the day, somebody got through the net and tried to bring it down, but they didn’t bring it down.”

The £86,000 playground was part funded by Essex County Council – £20,000 – while the Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust, an environmental body, contributed £38,000.

Around £5,000 came from lottery funding and Billericay Town Council came up with the rest.