A busy town park has been hit by vandals again - with graffiti scrawled across a bandstand.

Castle Park in Whitehaven has been plagued by hooligans in recent years, which has led to CCTV being installed to deter trouble-makers.

But Chris Hayes, who lives by the park, says the problem has worsened during the summer holidays, with youths gathering in the bandstand.

The structure had been defaced with graffiti last week, with emojis scrawled on to it.

Mr Hayes, who is the former Mayor of Whitehaven, said: “I can’t understand them. There are big signs saying, ‘you are on CCTV’. You can’t fathom it.

At night time, it’s like a disco in there. I love it when people say we are going to have music events in there. We have them every night.

“It’s getting ridiculous.”

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Mr Hayes has also raised concerns over the upkeep of the park, which is owned by Copeland Council.

He said: “Both entrances to the park are six-foot high with weeds. It’s an absolute disgrace.

“The actual park itself is a lovely park. We’re so lucky to have it. You walk along on a nice day – it’s beautiful but the litter – there are bins every 50 yards.

“There were teenagers the other day and by the time they left, there was a big pile of litter. They’ve got no respect for anything.”

Copeland Council was approached for comment.

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