A COMMUNITY has been left without access to part of a popular play area thanks to mindless vandals.

Police say the yobs struck in Castle Hill recreation ground between 10am last Wednesday and 10am on Friday, causing £1,000 worth of damage to two plastic slides.

The area surrounding the slides has been closed off to the public while a replacement is arranged, which the council expects to take around six weeks.

A borough council spokesman said park officers were working with the police to prevent any similar attacks from occurring again.

He said: “This is mindless vandalism that prevents local children from enjoying themselves. We are working with the police and are calling on residents to be vigilant.

“This is their play area and we want to prevent this sort of attack again. Not only is there a cost involved, there will be an inevitable delay before replacement equipment can be installed.

“In the meantime, we have cordoned off the damaged slides to keep children safe.”

Police, who have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries, are urging members of the public who may have witnessed the crimes to come forward with information. Sergeant Kevin Lee, from Suffolk police’s Ipswich North West Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “This type of crime greatly affects the local community as it is an area where children can play and parents can socialise.

“We will be investigating this crime through additional patrols in the area and house-to-house inquiries.

“We are appealing for anyone with information to call Ipswich North West SNT on 101.”