THE first trained play area minders in the country will now look after half of Wythall's play areas, writes Matt Smith.

Bromsgrove Council will send play area minders to an accredited training course to ensure children's safety.

"The minders will randomly visit play areas daily and report problems to us," said land and recreation development manager Rob Heard.

The news comes after Wythall Parish Council play area in Hollywood Lane was targeted by vandals.

Children's equipment was ripped up as vandals went on the rampage.

After repairing the areas several times, parish councillors are now thinking of letting Bromsgrove Council have them.