YOBS who damaged a newly-refurbished children’s playground just weeks after its reopening have been warned their behaviour will not be tolerated - after a fed-up councillor revealed the police are now investigating the damage spree.

Bank End Park, which recently benefited from an £18,000 investment following a years-long campaign spearheaded by the Worsbrough ward’s Coun Jake Lodge, has already been targeted.

Vandals struck at the playground on July 26, while off-road bikers also churned up the nearby playing fields.

Coun Lodge said: “I try to be as optimistic as possible but I have huge disappointment following the recent vandalism at Bank End Park, which has left many in our community both frustrated and annoyed.

“Only weeks ago £18,000 was invested to improve this space, following years of campaigning from myself and others in the area.

“This funding was to benefit local families and young people alike.

“Given the investment and the hugely positive response from the community, it was disheartening to see the park damaged by a small group engaging in antisocial behaviour.

“The park was improved for everyone’s enjoyment, yet now many residents, particularly parents with young children feel unable to use it safely.

“I want to reassure everyone that I’m working closely with the police to identify those responsible and to prevent such behaviour in future.

“Most importantly, I urge residents to continue using and valuing Bank End Park and our other parks and play areas, rather than allowing the actions of a few to undermine what should be a shared asset.

“If you witness antisocial behaviour, please report it as your information can make a real difference.

“We all want safe, welcoming spaces in our community.

“By standing together as a community we can ensure the investment made in our parks across Worsbrough that we’ve fought for, for so long, continues to benefit everyone for years to come.”

Funding for playgrounds - which has long been hard to come by due to the sheer amount of damage caused across Barnsley - could be stopped in the future at worst-hit locations.

According to a Freedom of Information response from Barnsley Council, about 390 damage reports per year are logged owing to vandalised equipment, fires, graffiti and broken glass.

Damaged equipment has to be quickly removed and although the council has repaired or replaced items such as soft flooring and swings, a lack of funds to continue doing so could mean that might not always be possible at the 143 play areas the council’s responsible for.

Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, told the Chronicle: “I am appalled that a small number of individuals continue to target and damage our beautiful parks and playgrounds, spaces that are meant to be enjoyed by all members of our community.

“We will not tolerate such antisocial behaviour, and we are committed to doing everything we can to protect these important community assets.

“We are working closely with the police, Safer Neighbourhoods teams, and our residents to tackle this issue and ensure that our parks remain safe and welcoming.

“Vandalism, including arson, glass, and graffiti removal, puts an unnecessary strain on our resources and it’s incredibly disappointing that money is being spent on repairing senseless damage rather than improving our facilities for everyone.

“We urge anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour to report it to the appropriate authorities so we can all help preserve these spaces for future generations.

“The reality is that local children and families suffer from every act of vandalism when it is no longer viable for Barnsley Council to keep replacing damaged equipment.

“If you have any information relating to incidents, please let us know or report directly to South Yorkshire Police on 101.

“You can also contact safer@barnsley.gov.uk or complete the online form on our website.”