"DISGUSTING" vandals have been condemned after obscene graffiti was scrawled on Alcester’s new £80,000 skate park.

The long-awaited state-of-the-art facility in Jubilee Fields was targeted by vandals over the weekend before its opening on Tuesday, June 7. 

Following the damage, residents took to the Alcester News Facebook group to voice their anger. 

Maxine Ballinger said: "That's disgusting. What's up with people these days?"

Amy Reeves said: "That's appalling, I hope they find out who did it. What a joke, they finally put something in for the kids and then someone does this. I just don't understand some people.”

Lisa Fenner added: "Oh how lovely for young kids to see. Its vile those kids need to get themselves a life. So disgusting."

However not all residents were surprised about the news. 

Jennifer Wright said: "I've been saying this all along, a complete waste of money. People say the kids need something to do- something to ruin more like." 

Alcester Town Council worked to remove the defacement on Monday, June 6. 

Cllr Yvette Morrison said: "It is really frustrating and bitterly disappointing. 

"We have waited a long time to replace the old skate park that was burnt down and for it to be vandalised before it’s even been opened- I just find it heartbreaking."

Following the incident police have increased patrols in the area and are asking members of the community to be vigilant and report any incidents of vandalism on 101.

Work to install a new skate park, replacing the tired old equipment which was previously repetitively targeted by vandals, started on April 25. 

The opening marks the latest step in a five-year long journey, which saw youngsters from Alcester Youth Council driving the project with the support of the town council. 

Funding for the skate park came from Section 106 money from the Redrow development off Kinwarton Farm Road. 

Alcester Town Council managed to secure £180,000 towards improving facilities on Jubilee Fields following the occupation of the 100th home.

This cash boost was received towards the end of last year.

The new skate park, which has been designed and made by Bendcrete Leisure, is made of concrete and expected to last about 30 years, whereas the previous equipment had a steel frame with a wooden surface with about an eight-year lifespan. 

Plans to build a new skate park date back to 2011 when the planning application was first processed.