VANDALS have cut down a swing from a children’s play area twice in a matter of days.

The swing in Bold Venture Park was taken down after being replaced by council workmen last week.

And this week, a second new swing was also taken down by vandals who have been slammed as ‘mindless’.

The swing had been financed by Blackburn with Darwen Council using Section 106 money from housing developments in the area.

Sunnyhurst councillor Brian Taylor said: “This is so disappointing.

“The Friends of Bold Venture Park do their utmost to keep the park in the condition that we can all be proud of.

“It did cross my mind to request closure of the playground, but that would punish all the innocent children of the Bold Venture area.

“We cannot allow the mindless to dictate to us.”

Friends of Bold Venture Park chairman Harry Blackwell said: “It is the third time it has happened in about six years.

“It is disappointing as it was only replaced a few weeks back, having been missing for about three years.”

Coun Taylor added: “Harry and all your group, keep up the good work. We appreciate what you do.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council bosses said they would not fund a third replacement swing.

Coun Jim Smith, executive member for environment, said: “I am disgusted that mindless vandals can destroy equipment that provides fun to the children and young people within their own community.

“Crimes like this should sicken the residents of Bold Venture and I urge anyone with any information regarding this to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Prospective candidate for Labour at next year’s General Election Will Straw said: “This is hugely frustrating for everyone who uses Bold Venture Park.

“At a time when public resources for our green spaces have been cut right back, community groups like the Friends of Bold Venture Park have stepped in to provide hours of time and love for our shared spaces.

“Incidents like these, which are becoming all too frequent, undermine their work and spoil the enjoyment of the whole community.

“The perpetrators should have the book thrown at them for this petty act of vandalism.”