VANDALS roaming the Meadows in Tavistock have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage at the leisure pool — and ruined play equipment just days before the start of the school holidays.

In a bid to combat the problem, Tavistock police have detailed plain- clothed officers to patrol the area.

The slide was put out of action last Tuesday after the top metal canopy was removed from its fixings and thrown to the ground.

Town clerk Roger Howard said: 'It's pathetic — someone must have had tools with them to do it, it wasn't just a spur of the moment thing.

'They must go down there with spanners, most of the play equipment you can't actually hurt just using your hands.'

He said the slide was checked by council staff the previous evening but by next morning the damage had been done.

He said vandals removed the nuts and bolts — consequently the council has to order specially made new ones.

'It really is heartbreaking when this happens,' Col Howard said.

'People should keep an eye open and if they see anything, don't just walk by,' he said.

Col Howard said the council was responding to public requests for more play equipment, but it was 'very discouraging' to members and staff when vandals struck.

Cllr Judith Williams, Mayor of Tavistock, said she was 'so frustrated' by the attacks.

'I can't believe that nobody sees these things happening. I just wish people would have the courage to contact the police at the time.

'This play equipment is there for the younger children of the town — would the older ones just leave it alone,' she said.

Mrs Williams said the council was doing its best to upgrade the equipment, but constant repairs meant there was less money to invest.

More than £14,000 has been spent on a new roundabout, see-saw and wooden adventure trail, due to be installed in recreation areas in the town at the beginning of August.

Meadowlands swimming pool has consistently been targetted by vandals this summer.

Manager Rob Whitehead has spent several thousand pounds and incurred hours of extra staff time as a direct consequence of the attacks.

'It's quite a problem at the moment,' he said.

'We've had broken windows, beer bottles thrown into the outside ride which then break, bottles thrown onto the roof — and we had a large iron spike driven through one window.'

Mr Whitehead said each pane of glass costs between £500 and £600 to replace — an extractor fan has also been attacked recently.

'I paid a bill last week for several thousands,' he said.

Each morning, staff have to inspect the outside slide — if broken bottles are found the flume has to be drained and cleaned thoroughly which can mean bringing in more employees.

Mr Whitehead said the incidents have increased since the beginning of summer, when youngsters congregate and drink in the Meadows.

He said he has been staying late at the pool on Friday nights to keep an eye out for trouble.

'You see the police wandering around but as soon as they've gone, they're back again,' said Mr Whitehead.

Police in Tavistock say they are taking 'positive action' and uniformed and plain clothed officers are checking the area.

Sergeant Ian Woods said: 'Regular policing attention is carried out, especially during the summer months, in the Meadows.

'Any damage to property will not be tolerated and action will be taken.'