Vandals have struck at a children's play area leaving residents frustrated and annoyed. 

Netting has been ripped from the basketball net at the Jubilee Play Space in Martlesham, which has been targeted on other occasions.

It comes after a separate incident just two miles down the road where £2,500 in damages was caused to a slide in the play area at the Kesgrave Community Centre

A resident who lives near the Martlesham playing area, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "There's a children's play area, which is really for smaller children, and it used to have a wooden fence around, but every other day the panels were being kicked down. 

"I got in touch with the parish council, saying they could install a metal fence there, and eventually it has been done. 

"There's no sort of problems now with the younger children section, but older children meet up at the playing area during evenings and mess it up. They go over there once a week or more. 

"It’s just so annoying. The younger children love it, but then the older kids come later, when they think nobody's over there, and destroy it." 

Ipswich Star: Ripped basketball net at Jubilee Play Space, Supplied by a neighbourRipped basketball net at Jubilee Play Space, Supplied by a neighbour (Image: Supplied by a neighbour)

There are hopes that more accessible play equipment can be installed for children with special needs or disabilities. 

The resident said: "I was over there once, and there was this little boy in his mother's arms, he must have been about two, but he couldn't lift his head and support it. It's inclusion, really."

Martlesham Parish Council says it will consider the installation of a disability swing at its September meeting.

Ipswich Star: Incident from last year, Supplied by a neighbourIncident from last year, Supplied by a neighbour (Image: Supplied by a neighbour)

A spokesperson for the council said: "Martlesham Council responds to reports of vandalism as quickly as possible and reports these incidents to the police.

"The ripped net on the basketball hoop we understand was done recently and our land maintenance contractor has been instructed to remove the damaged netting.

"The council welcomes reports from the public on vandalism on its sites and would encourage people to report vandalism and other ASB to the police especially if they are witness to it.

Ipswich Star: Jubilee Play Space in Martlesham, Supplied by a neighbour Jubilee Play Space in Martlesham, Supplied by a neighbour (Image: Supplied by a neighbour)

"Martlesham council carries out regular inspections of its sites and is hugely grateful to all the volunteer inspectors that help with that task."

The council considered the use of CCTV at the Jubilee Playspace last November following a request from a local resident but decided not to pursue it.