A PARISH councillor has been left sickened after thieves have stolen gates from a play area.

Chairman of Broughton Moor parish council, Thomas Armstrong, heard that the gate was missing after being informed by residents.

The gates had only been installed at the tennis court area in the village just three months ago, at a cost of £4,500.

Cllr Armstrong said: “It’s totally sickened me. The gates were there to make it safe for the kids, so they wouldn’t run on to the road. We would like them back. If we get some more we’ll have to weld the bolts on. It’s a sad, sad time.”

The parish council had taken two years to raise the money necessary to buy and fit the gates and had chosen a gate with a kissing gate to allow prams and wheelchairs access to the area.

Mr Armstrong said he was too sickened to go to the site to see what damage had been caused by the removal and added: “We have tried to work hard on the park. Everyone gave 100 per cent.

“The clerk and committee work exceptionally hard.”

However, the theft of the gates makes Mr Armstrong feel as though the parish council is: “taking one step forwards and three steps back.”

If anyone has any information which may help the village play area get their gates back, he would like them to contact him on 01900 816832.

The theft has been reported to police.