A NEW scramble net was officially opened in Tavistock's Meadows last Thursday — just a week after the £12,000 piece of play equipment was wrecked by vandals.

Town mayor Cllr Norma Woodcock performed the official ceremony by cutting a ribbon to declare the net open — one of her last duties during her year as mayor.

Before the ceremony, Kathy Palmer, co-ordinator of Tavistock Play Week, handed over a cheque for £1,231 to the mayor as a donation towards the scramble net.

The new equipment has been installed as a result of a consultation exercise by the town council last year, which revealed a net of this type was most requested by primary school children in the area.

But it was attacked by vandals just days after its installation, forcing the postponement of the opening ceremony, which could only take place last week thanks to the hard work of council staff.

Town clerk Roger Howard said: 'The council has committed £20,000 a year to provide new facilities in Monksmead and Courtlands Road and to upgrade those in Bishopsmead and Whitchurch.

'Local residents groups in those areas are fundraising to match the town council cash, with the end result being much better and more appreciated play facilities.'