FOUR Marks Parish Council has joined the police in putting out an appeal for information following an act of “mindless” vandalism at the village recreation ground in which a newly-installed outdoor table tennis table was damaged and defaced.

According to parish clerk Sarah Goudie, the parish council has spent time and effort consulting with young people in Four Marks over the sort of equipment and activities they would like to see at the recreation ground.

Mrs Goudie said: “The provision of a multi-activity area seemed to tick all the boxes, and after applying for various grants the use of developers’ contributions and the receipt of donations, the equipment was ordered and installation began a couple of weeks ago.

“It was decided to open up the partially-completed area so it could be enjoyed, and it is devastating that before all the equipment is installed and the area finished, within two days the new table tennis table was subjected to mindless vandalism.

“The area was for the teenagers of the village to enjoy, and the fact that one or two have chosen to destroy it within two days is demoralising and a shame that it has been ruined for all the others.”

The parish council will discuss the vandalism at its next full council meeting next Wednesday, starting at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Anyone with information about the recreation ground vandalism should call Alton Police on 101 or the parish office in Medstaed on 01420 768284.