POLICE and villagers are patrolling South Zeal's recreation ground, following two incidents of vandalism to the sports pavilion. In the early hours of the morning on Saturday February 17, the pavilion's toilet block was severely damaged, with windows being smashed, plumbing broken, and fires lit in the building. The following night, the pavilion's four main windows, all made of toughened glass, were smashed. Chairman of the recreation ground committee Ray Souness said more than £500 worth of damage had been done on the two nights, and the committee is now considering installing CCTV in the area, which will cost a further £1,000. He said: 'It really makes me angry. The pavilion is only two and a half years old and it's one of the best in the area. It cost us £70,000 to build it, and its invaluable for the whole village. 'It's used as a snooker hall every night, the football team use it as changing rooms, and we have lots of birthday parties in it.' He said the toilet block was taken over by the recreation ground committee around a year ago, after West Devon Borough Council had announced plans to close it: 'It's used by so many children who play in the playground here. And lots of walkers use it too as they pass through the village.' The toilets and pavilion are also both needed for the village's annual Folk Festival and Zayle Fayre. And they are essential for South Zeal's Summer Ball to go ahead this year — part of a major campaign to raise money for new equipment for the children's playground. Vicky Mills, a member of the committee organising the ball, said they are 'upset and very concerned' about the vandalism. 'This is the second year that we've been raising money for a new playground,' she said. 'We're trying to raise £40,000, and that takes a lot of work, but what's the point if this continues? 'It's not just the pavilion — the old playground that's there at the moment is being constantly vandalised too.' Ray Souness blames youths in the area for the damage, which was done between the hours of 2.30am and 8.30am. 'I'd like parents to be more vigilant with their own children,' he said. 'I'm sure there are people in the area who have ideas about who's responsible for this but don't want to get involved. They need to realise that this vandalsim is going to cost the whole parish. We might have to try putting up the commuity charge in the area to help cover it.' South Zeal blacksmith Dave Denford and Oxenham Arms landlord Paul Lucas both said they were furious about the vandalism. Along with other people from the village they are regularly patrolling the recreation ground to keep watch for any further incidents. The police are also stepping up their presence in the area, with a community support officer and a neighbourhood beat manager keeping a particular eye on the site. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Okehampton Police on 01837 658400, quoting JO/07/144 and JO/07/144.