A PLAY area has been targeted by vandals in Bicester less than a month after £30,000 worth of improvements were finished.

The playground in Lucerne Avenue underwent a major £31,500 refurbishment as part of Bicester Town Council's review of all play areas in Bicester.

But the town council are now appealing for witnesses after vandals tore up the new grass matting, destroying the ground underneath.

Bicester Town council environment committee chairwoman Lynn Pratt said: "Bicester Town Council is committed to investing in and refurbishing the play areas across the town, so to have one vandalised in broad daylight so soon after its makeover is incredibly disappointing."

The play area is one of the town's most popular playgrounds and includes swings, a roundabout, a small slide and multi-play equipment.

The town council said one piece of equipment was only just opened after refurbishment when the vandalism was reported on Wednesday, March 1.

Parent Jill Williamson, from Bicester, said: "It is saddening to hear but I have heard of some vandalism lately in other parks also.

"These parks are certainly something mums and dads use and as Bicester is a fast growing town with lots more children and people expected there is definitely scope for more play grounds let alone damaging the ones we have.

"I often use Garth Park as it is down the road from my work and its fantastic since being re-done, the council understands it is something the town wants and is investing money into it."

Bicester Town Council has been reviewing more than 70 play areas in the town as park of its commitment to improving and rejuvenating many well-used playgrounds.

This included a complete £250,000 overhaul of Garth Park play areas and introducing new equipment, underground tunnels and water features.

Bicester Town council chief officer Samantha Shippen added that the recent vandalism has prompted the council to work with schools to talk to children about the parks and upkeep.

She said the council has been hosting assemblies with local schoolchildren to talk about the investment being put into the towns play areas and hopefully create something positive going ahead.

The vandalism was reported to the police and any witnesses have been asked to contact enquiries@bicester.gov.uk with crime reference number 1020-1317