VANDALS that struck at a park in Malvern, damaging play equipment, have been branded “thoughtless” by councillors.

Firefighters were called to Victoria Park on Monday night to put out a fire in the viewing bubble of the main climbing frame.

Though they put out the fire, they could not save the slide, which had melted onto the safety flooring below, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Deputy Mayor Lynne Lambeth said the incident was saddening, and appealed for information.

She said: “This is a terrible act of vandalism that has impacted on families that regularly use the playpark and his has saddened us as councillors that those responsible feel the need to spoil a recreational area that is provided for the whole community.”

Following the attack, the equipment has been cordoned off and the public has been asked to stay clear until repair works have been carried out for their safety.

Hundreds of people use the playpark in Victoria Park every year and a Malvern Town Council spokesman added it has recently seen a rise in anti-social behaviour.

There are eleven such playparks across Malvern run by the council with equipment being periodically replaced and renewed to keep it in the right condition.

Police have been informed of the damage, and anyone with information is asked to call Malvern Town Council on 01684566667.

In a similar incident, plants were stolen from the garden of Malvern Priory.

After almost three years of work planting up the garden by volunteers, thieves struck on Friday night, digging up the plants and stealing them.

In all, 14 plants have been stolen, and Ollie Marks, who headed up the team of volunteers, said it was “devastating”

He said: “Each empty hole now has a small piece of paving slab in it with a label saying Plant Stolen. It looks like a mini graveyard. I’ve also put a notice on the fence saying what has happened hoping that if people are aware of the problem, they might be vigilant.”