VANDALS caused hundreds of pounds of damage and destroyed a memorial bench in Barrowford Park.

Park rangers found two of the park's benches smashed to pieces and are urging anyone with information about the incident to get in touch with them.

The cost of repairing the two benches, which had recently been relocated from next to the war memorial to the bowling pavilion, will be more than £800.

Parks outreach officer Fred Stewart said: "We've had the garden of remembrance done up and there used to be four benches in it.

"Three of them, including the vandalised two, were repaired and re-stained and moved adjacent to the bowling pavilion.

"It looks like kids have come along and smashed two of them completely to bits so that they are beyond repair.

"They've been in the park quite a considerable time near the war memorial but they were moved and now haven't even survived to the bowling season.

"There are a number of children that hang around at night and we have had graffiti and vandalism before but nothing as bad as this in a long time."

Ward councillor Linda Crossley said: "I am absolutely appalled at this and I would hope anyone who does know anything about it comes forward.

"It's a terrific blow because the parish council have spent a lot of time and money doing the remembrance garden up in the park and it's something like this that sets it all back."

Anyone with details about the vandalism should contact Fred Stewart on 01282 661600. Mr Stewart (right) is pictured with senior ranger Alan Hammett and a broken bench.