NATURE-loving youngsters have been left high and dry after callous thieves wrecked their precious wildlife pond.

And inspectors, due to visit the site tomorrow (Friday) as part of the Green Flag Award Scheme, will only see the damage left by the mindless vandals.

The picturesque educational park, created after weeks of hard work by volunteers and rangers at Longton Brickcroft nature reserve, was destroyed when vandals ripped up the protective lining of the pond.

When youngsters arrived at the beauty spot, all they found was a dry hole.

The purpose-built location was created for schoolchildren and completed just days before the vandals struck.

It is used by scores of schools and youth organisations for nature lessons.

South Ribble's mobile ranger Richard Parkinson is fuming over the attack.

He said: "A lot of hard work has been put into building the pond for youngsters, who love using this site.

"Words defy me. How can people be so destructive like this?

"Someone's obviously seen us lay the lining and work on it, and then come back and wrecked it.

"It is a disgrace.

"And even when we replace the lining, what is to stop them from coming back and doing it again?"

Longton councillor Marjorie Nicholls was horrified when she heard.

She said: "It is a lovely place for children and I can't imagine how someone would be so cold-hearted as to spoil their enjoyment.

"Once again it will be the tax-payer who has to take the brunt of such selfishness."

Coun Alan Dawson, South Ribble Borough Council's recreation and amenities committee chairman, said: "This is a blatant act of mindless vandalism.

"It is a great shame for the children, who will have to wait before they can use this pond. "But the council will not give into vandalism, we will keep plodding on so the entire community can benefit."

To make matters worse, the reserve is due to be inspected for the prestigious Green Flag award.

But despite the theft, the centre is expected to pass the inspection and become one of only a handful of parks outside London to have the award.

A South Ribble Council spokeswoman said the lining, worth in excess of £700, would be replaced soon.

No ducks to feed: Dean Kellett (left) and Daniel Ovenden, both aged six

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