High cost of vandalism

That was the despairing conclusion to a lively debate at Heathfield Parish Council's recreation grounds and properties committee meeting on Tuesday.

Chairman Andy Woolley said expenditure so far just exceeds the allocated budget which will see a deficit carried over into the next financial year.

He told members: 'We'll just have to tighten our belts.'

One of the reasons, he explained, were the unexpected costs of repairing play equipment which had been deliberately wrecked.

Examples were fires lit under slides, broken bottles smashed into the ground and the real possibility some equipment will have to be taken away if the vandalism continues, particularly at the Tower recreation ground.

Cllr Angie Muddle pleaded for a major publicity campaign directed at parents.

She said: 'We've got to make them aware that the damage these children cause has to be paid for and it comes out of their pockets as well as ours.'