DAMAGED play facilities in a Flintshire town may be lost for good if vandals don't stop targeting them, a disappointed Mayor has warned.

St Mary's play area near Bryn Coch in Mold has been temporarily closed down due to 'safety reasons.'

The incident has not been reported to North Wales Police despite the surface in the area being ripped up, causing the uneven ground to become a trip hazard.

The Leader:
A Flintshire Council spokesperson said: "We received a report of damage to the surface at the play area and have temporarily closed it while we arrange for the necessary repairs to be carried out."

Mold Mayor Councillor Brian Lloyd spoke of his disappointment at the situation.

He said there is only so much funding to rectify damages and warned that persistent vandalism may lead to such facilities being lost for good.

He said: "We had a play area in my patch here, in Park Avenue.

"But a few years ago, the new swinging basket was set on fire and burned out.

"That was never replaced - and with the way things are going with funding, other damaged items in these play areas might not be replaced in the future if this carries on.

"The thing is that whoever is responsible, they're damaging it for their own kids, or their younger brothers and sisters, or their friends.

"That's what I can't get my head around."

A local resident said: "We're very sad to see the area closed off and very disappointed because this damage could have been avoided.

"It was done deliberately in a selfish, thoughtless moment, not considering their actions would affect other people and prevent younger children from having a place to play."

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With the summer holidays approaching, parents are keen for the play area to reopen as soon as possible.

On social media, members of the community are rallying together to try and resolve the issue. Instead of waiting for the council to remedy the situation, one individual suggested a fundraising page.

In the meantime, Flintshire council will share all updates on social media.