VANDALS used a car as a battering ram to wreck a popular picnic area.

The destruction of the beauty spot at Haslingden Old Road, Oswaldtwistle, has disgusted and saddened ward councillor Bill Goldsmith.

The stolen car was smashed into a picnic table and seats, reducing the furniture to broken timber.

A wooden bench was rammed and a concrete litter bin knocked over before the car was abandoned down a slope.

Coun Goldsmith said: "This is the small minority of mindless morons spoiling it for the majority."

The picnic area and viewing point, overlooking Jackhouse reservoir nature area, is a popular spot on summer evenings and at weekends.

Councillor Goldsmith is this year's president of Oswaldtwistle Civic Society, which established the viewing point before the picnic area was adopted by the council.

He said: "I would say the picnic furniture is a write-off and it will have to be completely refurbished."

Police are investigating.

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