VANDALS have smashed up new information signs at Phoenix Park, Thurnscoe. The plaques, which were on wooden posts, had only been in place for a week and informed walkers about the various birds which could be seen in the area. They were erected as part of the Forestry Commission’s ongoing management of the project which has transformed the Hickleton Main tip into a popular scenic area. “We’ve had a big spate of vandalism at Phoenix Park over the last seven months,” said a Forestry Commission spokesman. “We had to give serious consideration to removing the climbing wall last year due to the thousands of pounds it was costing to repair.” Six metal benches were also installed recently and there was an attempt to steal them before the concrete foundations had set. “A lot of our sites have a vandalism problem, but it has been particularly bad at Thurnscoe over the last seven months and the rangers are at their wits end. People are very good at reporting damage and we have a lot of support from the police, but the small minority spoils it for everyone.” The plaques were smashed between 9am Sunday and 9am Monday. A sign welcoming visitors to the park is regularly smashed. A man who walks his dog in the park said: “It’s sad to see, horrible. The plaques hadn’t been up long and helped people to identify the birds. They might as well shut up the shop and leave it to the bikers who make tracks all over the place.”