Vandals have struck repeatedly at the garden of The Byes Pre-school in Sidford, destroying children’s play equipment and causing dangerous damage.

Sidmouth Herald: The damaged wooden seat. Picture: Antonia NexThe damaged wooden seat. Picture: Antonia Nex (Image: Antonia Nex)

On the night of Thursday, August 22, a wooden bench was broken and knocked over, and a planter was damaged.

On Sunday, August 25, a photo showing broken glass on the grass where the children play was posted on social media.

Earlier the same week the top of a table was kicked in.

In earlier incidents the children's bug hotel has been broken and a picnic bench stolen.

Sidmouth Herald: Broken plants in a planter. Picture: Antonia NexBroken plants in a planter. Picture: Antonia Nex (Image: Antonia Nex)

Toni Nex, from the committee of local parents which runs the school, said:

"Our pond fence has been kicked in more than five times, which is very dangerous for the pre-school children and has to be fixed before they are allowed to play in there.

"There are lighters, cigarette packets, rubbish and beer cans left for the pre-school teachers to clean every morning."

"We're a parent committee based pre-school and we're the ones that fix and maintain this garden, and it's very sad that this keeps happening."

Sidmouth Herald: These items had been dumped in the pond at the pre-school's garden. Picture: Jane GoodwinThese items had been dumped in the pond at the pre-school's garden. Picture: Jane Goodwin (Image: Jane Goodwin)

She said the vandalism typically takes place at night and during the school holidays.

The garden, opposite Sidford social hall, is used daily by the pre-school and is also a community garden for local residents.