THIEVES have dismantled and stolen part of the fence around a children's playground to the disgust of families who use the facilities.

The suspects took away seven of the metal panels around Newmans Lane playground, in Loughton, forcing the town council to spend £1,250 replacing them.

Council officers also had to use tape to cover all the exposed sharp edges left surrounding the well-used play area as a result of the damage caused by the theft.

Maxine Barrett, of Newmans Lane, works as a child minder and uses the playground two or three times a week.

She said: “I can't work out why anyone would do this, but these people don't care what they do. It's very sad.

“The fence is important to a lot of people who bring young children here. They want to keep them in one place. I'm a child-minder and if you get more than one child to watch you need a fence.”

Town council services manager Paul Hoy said: “The fence panels weigh a ton so it's a pre-meditated theft. They had to have a lorry and they pulled up as bold as brass on to the green.”

Recreation committee chairman Cllr David Wixley said: “It's unfortunate the council tax-paying public are having to find the money. It's very disappointing when these things happen. They always happen, and always will but it's very annoying and frustrating.”

The council has also suffered vandalism at another of its playgrounds, in Felstead Road.

Safety surfacing was cut up exposing the concrete beneath, with the damage costing the council £670 in repair fees.