A PLAY area in Selby could close if it is the target of vandals again, the town council has warned.

The Barwic Parade play area underwent a £5,000 renovation earlier this year. A special surfacing was used to coat the ground around the mound and tube slide to ensure children did not slip and fall.

But in the past few weeks vandals have set fire to the special material and prised much of it up from the ground.

The £5,000 repairs were done free by contractors Playscheme S. J. Danby as a goodwill gesture.

Last week, the town council’s land and property committee met to discuss the play area. It said the authority could not keep putting money into the playground if it was to be continually vandalised.

Karen Mann, council clerk, said: “Since the mound was surfaced there has been mindless vandalism and the local police have now made the area a priority to liaise with the college and the schools and town council. Also talking to the children to make sure that everyone is aware of the situation and any vandalism is reported to them as soon as possible.

“Hundreds of children use this. It’s one of the best play areas in Selby, servicing the whole of the Abbots Road estate, and Selby College students, who use the adult gym equipment. They all will be disappointed if it has to close.”

She said the £5,500 cost of fixing the damage could not be found if it were to happen again.

She said: “Parents need to take responsibility for their children going to the play area as it has been noted that young children without their parents have been using the site.”

Town council leader Steve Shaw-Wright said: “People need to pick up the phone if they see anything wrong.

“The area should have a 15-to-20 year lifespan, but it’s been 15 to 20 days sometimes.”