CCTV is to be used in children's play parks after vandals caused thousands of pounds of damage to equipment installed just weeks ago.

Police and council bosses today blasted the vandals, claiming only a hacksaw could have caused the damage inflicted on one particular climbing frame.

In March, Ribble Valley Council approved plans to spend £75,000 upgrading play parks in, and around, the borough.

But since work began, council staff have repeatedly turned up at refurbished play parks to find new equipment damaged, and special 'soft landing' surfaces ripped up.

In the most recent incident, at Clitheroe Castle, play park thick ropes on a climbing frame were cut, while a 'space dish' roundabout designed for easy use by disabled children appeared to have been kicked hundreds of times.

The soft landing surfacing had also been ripped up. Parts of the play park have now been cordoned off and council engineers say it could be weeks before the repairs are carried out.

A council spokesman said: "We are now planning to use our CCTV cameras at play parks where we have had particular problems, such as the castle and ones in Longridge."

No other council uses CCTV cameras in play parks.

Tracey Hurst, assistant engineer at the council, said: "The damage is being done within days of work being carried out. It is very annoying because the work was supposed to make it easier for less able-bodied children to use equipment, and safer for everyone overall."

Inspector Bob Ford, of Clitheroe Police, said: "It appears a minority, as usual, is spoiling it for the majority. We are working with the council. There is already CCTV in the castle grounds, but not on the play park."

Council officers are now drawing up costs for installing CCTV at the sites.