Vandals set fire to a newly-installed set of swings in Elephant Park forcing Orange City Council workers to cordon off the area.

The council is waging an ongoing battle with vandals who have previously attacked the Woodward Street park and destroyed other equipment including a large costly shadecloth which they slashed with knives.

Parents who regularly take their children to local parks say they’ve had enough of the vandals’ destructive behaviour.

Mother of three Peta Govier said she tried to take her children to outdoor play equipment at least once a week and couldn’t understand what would drive anyone to destroy something children enjoy.

“It’s just wrong,” she said.

“I’ve seen graffiti vandalism before but I’ve never heard of anyone setting fire to anything.

“They must have nothing better to do.”

Mrs Govier said it wasn’t fair that her children weren’t able to play on the swings because of the thoughtless actions of others.

“Anyone that burns anything should go to jail, it’s malicious,” she said.

Mother of two Georgie Worsley said it was a “shame” that the council had recently fixed up Elephant Park only to have it vandalised again.

“Maybe there needs to be more patrolling of the area,” she said.

“Although I’m sure the police have got better things to do.

“I’m not sure when this sort of thing happens, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, probably late at night.”

tracey.prisk@ruralpress .com