VANDALS have been causing problems at two community facilities in the Ryedale area.

They have targeted the Derwent play area, in Norton-on-Derwent, and Lady Spring Woods, Malton.

Play equipment has been broken and glass left at the sites, which are used by both local people and visitors.

The swings and the seesaw at Norton have had to be taken down because of the damage, while litter including beer kegs and bottles has been left at the wood, where ornamental mosaics have also been damaged.

Ryedale District Council's cultural services manager, Jos Holmes, said: "It is a real shame that the actions of a few individuals are causing problems at both these sites.

"Because of their actions, repair work is now being undertaken and inconvenience is being caused to the people who regularly use these sites."

The chairman of the council's community services committee, Councillor Elizabeth Shields, said: "All the work to restore the damage caused by these mindless vandals is being paid for by council taxpayers.

"It could be money better spent providing more facilities throughout the district."