‘WE need help from the public to tackle vandals’. That’s the message from Rishton councillors after a park swing was damaged by yobs.

Several residents contacted Coun Ken Moss after swings were burnt on a children’s play area at Harwood Road earlier this week.

Children’s clothes were marked with burnt rubber after the seat was melted by the fire Coun Moss said: “Several residents contacted me and have identified the same person as the culprit so I called the police and reported it.

“Half the battle is getting a positive identification from the public. We need help from them.”

Coun Clare Cleary said she was sworn at and nearly spat on by youths after she spotted them throwing the swings over the top bar.

She said: “Please speak up in these parks when this sort of anti-social behaviour is happening.

“If we don’t speak up and tackle these yobs, they spoil it for everyone.”

Concerned residents can contact their councillors or report crime anonymously through Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

The damaged swing will be replaced.