Children as young as eight could be responsible for a trail of devastation at vital community facilities in Jaywick.

The scene of destruction around the resort's resource centre in Brooklands Gardens was described as a battlefield by one councillor who is calling for the police to take action.

The raid on the centre took place over the weekend.

Smashed - some of the damage caused by the vandals in Jaywick

A fence surrounding the children's play area was also virtually demolished and nearby homes attacked.

Essex county and Tendring district councillor Roy Smith discovered the scene early on Sunday morning.

"I could hardly believe it I was very sad, upset and depressed by what I found," he said.

"I was not in favour of the money being spent on this building in the first place and would rather have seen it used to upgrade roads and lighting.

"But it has become a valuable community facility and for it to be treated in this way is appalling."

Mr Smith said some residents claimed youngsters as young as eight had been involved in the vandalism.

"I find it hard to believe but that is what has been said," he added.

Insp Pete Smith, of Clacton police, said the incidents would be fully investigated

Mr Smith said that he would be taking the matter up with Clacton Police and asking for it to be looked at as a matter of urgency.

Published Tuesday, April 8, 2003

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