Councillors have voiced their disappointment over vandalism in community areas that has cost a town council more than £1,000.

Last night's meeting of Ongar Town Council's Open Spaces Committee heard there is recurring vandalism of play areas, skate board parks and allotment sites.

Deputy Clerk Judith Cook told the meeting the recent damage had taken the total repair bill to over £1,000 in the past couple of years.

Committee chairman Alison Wingfield said: “It seems that a few people are intent on ruining facilities provided for the enjoyment of others.

“Play equipment has been damaged, which is clearly a danger to children’s safety, as well as fires lit in several areas.

“Allotment tenants must be very disheartened to have had damage done to their crops after all the hard work they have put into it.

“This also has a detrimental effect on council finances as funds are required to repair the damage and therefore cannot be used for new projects.”

Essex Police have urged residents to take action in preventing further damage by reporting any suspicious behaviour on the non-emergency number 101.