VANDALS smashed bollards and drove around a Redditch park damaging and dirtying footpaths and its grass.

Park staff at Redditch Borough Council have thanked residents for their quick response following the destruction at Morton Stanley Park in Green Lane.

The incident took place on Saturday, February 11 and concerned customers contacted the council from the next day, which meant the bollards could be swiftly replaced.

Councillor Pat Witherspoon, portfolio holder for leisure and tourism, said: "On behalf of our parks team I’d like to thank the park users that let us know so quickly over the weekend so we could re-secure the park.

"The grass is rutted and it looks a mess but we can help the ground recover once it dries out a bit as the weather improves.

"Unfortunately this is the kind of stupid behaviour we face from time to time."

As well as football pitches and play areas, the 95 acres of park offer woodland walks and rich natural habitats like ponds, remnant orchards and managed wildflower meadows amidst the Worcestershire landscape.

The park also plays host to the Morton Stanley Festival in August - one of the largest free music and arts events in the region.