A BID has been made to install a £100,000 camera security system in a town's Victorian park to help stop vandalism.

Almost £1m has been spent on restoring Hackworth Park in Shildon over the past five years.

But play areas, which have been paid for with grants from various organisations as well as cash from the town council, have been plagued with vandalism.

Among the refurbishment projects have been a £90,000 skate park, which is widely used by youngsters, and a multi-purpose play area designed for under-fives in partnership with Sure Start.

The park's historic bandstand and fountain have also been given a makeover, and the old miners' resthouse, which was built by the town's miners for recreation, was rebuilt to become a base for community groups.

The improvements have encouraged community groups to use the park, and it has also been a fitting venue for the town's annual carnival.

But the success has been marred by the vandalism.

Only last month, the skate park was covered in obscene graffiti, and in March, one of the main pieces of equipment in the toddlers' play park was destroyed in a fire set by a six-year-old and a 12-year-old.

There are some CCTV cameras in the park, but Shildon Town Council is hoping that a £100,000 scheme will ensure full coverage of the whole park 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Council clerk Mick Waterson said: "We are currently looking to submit an application for financial assistance from Sedgefield Borough Council for an improvement programme for the provision of CCTV in the park.

"If successful, it will give us full coverage all of the time.

"Huge investments have been made in the park, which is a significant asset to the town. It is being used more and more by the community and it is a shame that it is not being treated with the respect it deserves.

"The council would urge anyone who witnesses vandalism or anti-social behaviour to contact the police straight away.''