POLICE have stepped up patrols in a Kidder-minster park after vandals caused around £1,000 of damage to a popular shelter used by families.

Councillor Marcus Hart, who had discovered the damage in Brinton Park, said a mindless minority were spoiling things for other members of the public.

Police confirmed a fire had been started after two stolen scooters were set alight and spread to the nearby pavilion, earlier this month.

Since the incident, Coun-cillor Hart, responsible for the Sutton Park ward, had asked the park warden and police to increase the number of patrols in a bid to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

He added: "I recently walked round the park and that is when I discovered the shelter had been badly damaged.

"It's still standing but no-one can sit in there now and it's been fenced off as it's not completely safe for the public to use.

"It's such a shame, as Wyre Forest District Council has invested huge amounts of money into the play area and skate park as well as refurbishing the toilets.

"It's a case of a few people spoiling it for the many but we are not going to give in to vandals."

PC Gordon Robbins said: "Patrols in the area have been increased in response to these incidents, using officers from the Uniform Support Group and our own local Community Support Officers.

"However, I would like to stress that these incidents are still uncommon in the park.

"We are in consultation with the parks manager regarding future development plans in the park and, where possible, we will aim to reduce the possibility of these anti-social acts," added PC Robbins.