A city play park has had to be temporarily closed due to damage caused by vandals, Highland Council said yesterday.
Merkinch Place play park on Glendoe estate has had extensive damage to its equipment including the removal of a safety surface.
The park was only officially opened in December last year.
Damage to the play park includes the hacking off of the red safety surfacing in the play area, the removal of a tree and damage to post and wire fencing around the pumping station
A Highland Council spokesman said: “We are extremely disappointment to have to advise people that we have had to temporarily close the play park at Merkinch Place. Unfortunately the park has been vandalised and has been left unsafe for children to use.
“We have advised the contractors and they will rectify the damage when they return from their trades holiday. It is most unfortunate to have to close a park during the school holidays but the safety of children is our priority.”
He added: “Such acts of vandalism are a total waste of tax payers’ money and diverts resources from council works and services. We urge anyone with information to contact Police on 101 or to phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
