TWO benches in Tavistock Meadows which have been tipped into the canal on several occasions by vandals have been taken away by council workers.

Tavistock town clerk Roger Howard reported on Monday that criminals who had been subjecting the children's play park to an endless barrage of vandalism had, for a change, damaged a hut and ripped up park seats before throwing them in the canal.

Council workers spent time repairing what Col Howard described as mindless destruction. However, no sooner were the repairs finished than the vandals struck again.

Speaking on Tuesday, Col Howard said: 'This morning the same seats, having been repaired and replaced yesterday, were back in the canal. They are heavy concrete and wood structures and it must take at least four vandals and a lot of effort to roll them over the bank into the canal.'

He said this sort of vandalism had cost the town council more than £1,000 recently — a bill which, ultimately, is footed by local taxpayers.

'The two seats in question will now be finally removed from the Meadows and located in other areas where they can be enjoyed and not be regularly smashed,' he said.

Anybody with any information should contact Tavistock police on 0990 777444 or the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.