THE PAINT had not even dried on one of the most successful community projects in South Zeal before it became the subject of vandalism.
Vandals attacked the village play area, which was built at a cost of £15,000 by the South Zeal Recreation Ground and the local community. The damage resulted in children's equipment having to be repaired at additional cost.
Chairman of the recreation ground committee Ray Souness said it was disappointing after all the effort had been put in, but he hoped it would be a one-off.
'We have asked the older children to keep an eye on the toddlers' play area which is purely for the under 5s,' he said. 'They are starting to take responsibility and if anyone over five goes in, they let us know.'
Mr Souness said so far the plan seemed to be working and the police were stepping up patrols in that area.
'It is a shame when something like this happens after all the hard work and effort that has been put in,' he said. 'The campaign to raise money for a toddlers' play area was started because there was an adventure area for the older kids and nothing for the younger ones.'
He said what they now had was a marvellous facility which users had described as the best in the area. It was helped along by a lottery grant of £5,000 and a parish projects grant from West Devon Borough Council of £4,394.
Mr Souness said although the play area had been opened for three weeks, the costs would be ongoing as the team of volunteers wanted to make it even better.
'We would like to replace the big slide which has been deemed unsafe, but we are talking a lot of money,' he said. 'All donations will be gratefully received.'