A popular children’s centre in Ipswich threatened with closure has stepped up security measures after its garden was vandalised.
Police said a sandpit, swing, tree and benches were damaged when offenders broke into the secured garden area of Meredith Road children’s centre.
The damage was carried out this week between 6.30pm on Wednesday and 8am on Thursday – the day when the 12-week consultation into the future of the centre finished.
Suffolk County Council, which runs the children’s centre, has come under pressure to keep the site open. It could close as part of cost-saving measures.
A spokesman for the authority said the damage caused has not affected current children centre services.
He said: “Minor vandalism occurred on the outside of the building in the garden area. It is all being fixed today.
“The children centre has increased its security and this has not affected the children centre services.”
He confirmed the outcome of the consultation is set to be discussed at a county council cabinet meeting in December.
Police continue to investigate the break-in and damage. Witnesses or people with information relating to the incident are urged to call police on 101.
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