VANDALS have been accused of "potentially putting children's lives at risk" by taking screws and bolts from play equipment in a Whitehaven park.

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie said he was "absolutely appalled" by the damage in Castle Park over the weekend.

More than ten bolts were removed from seven pieces of play equipment, making it unsafe for children to use, with ‘significant’ risk being created for children.

Mr Starkie told of his disappointment at the vandalism on the park that he visits with his young grandchild.

He said: “I think it’s absolutely appalling behaviour. They're actually potentially putting small children’s lives at risk and there could have been serious consequences.

“We really appeal that if anybody knows of anyone who was involved in this to come forward.”

The mayor praised council workers who discovered the damage on one of their weekly visits to inspect the parks, and thinks that without their work the situation could have been much worse.

He said: “The potential for serious harm is unfathomable and I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and diligence of our Parks and Open spaces team, who regularly inspect the equipment and who dealt with the issue immediately.

“I implore those involved to have a serious think about their actions and the potential consequences should our dedicated and committed team not have been on hand to protect the community.”

The mayor said that any information would be dealt with discretely if people did come forward.

Eileen Weir, Borough Councillor for Whitehaven and anti-social champion, was shocked at the vandalism.

She said: "It’s shocking. We have done our upmost to improve play parks, and this knocks the soul out of people. It really is difficult to understand why anyone would do this.

“I am appalled at any disregard for safety. They don’t think of the outcome, their minds aren’t thinking about the danger for young children coming along.”

Copeland Council has asked parents to be extremely vigilant when visiting the park with young children in light of the recent damage.

If anyone has any information, they can contact Copeland Council's Parks and Open Spaces team on 01946 598300 or Cumbria police on 101.