Private security guards could be hired to patrol a children's playground which is being ruined by thugs.

The children's play area at Ramsey Recreation Ground has been threatened with closure because of increasing vandalism.

Condoms have been found at the Wix Road spot and equipment and furniture damaged, pushing up maintenance costs.

Ramsey War Memorial Committee, which manages the site, admitted the ground has become a problem and could shut.

The parish council has been asked to step in, but agreed at its meeting to set up a working party to look at the options.

Bryan Knights said hiring a security firm to watch the ground would help cut vandalism.

He said: "When that field opened it was appreciated by many people who would come there, even from Dovercourt, and say how lovely it was.

"But vandalism is on the increase and has reached an unacceptable level and the situation is causing a lot of concern."

"We need to look at what could be done and should be done to help, including security firms, which have been effectively employed by other parish councils in Essex."

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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