A local councillor has said he is “disgusted” that “a few mindless idiots” have vandalised a much-loved play area in Goodwick.

The popular park on Goodwick Parrog had small pieces of equipment stolen before Christmas. The wooden gates securing the area were removed at the beginning of January.

Pembrokeshire County Council employees found the gates in the area near to the park but have been unable to refit them immediately, as the gate posts were also damaged.

A spokesman for the authority said:

“Replacement posts will be installed shortly, and the gates temporarily replaced until new ones have been made.

“We are currently in contact with an equipment supplier with regard to the missing components in the play area.”

The new park was installed in early 2015, after much of the old play equipment was removed by the council due to structural rot.

Although the council would not initially confirm if the park would be replaced, it subsequently found money for new equipment in its playground maintenance budget. Six designs were put to the public vote, with a ship-themed multi activity apparatus being the favourite.

Since then it has been thoroughly enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, bringing a boost to businesses in the area.

Goodwick county councillor, Gwilym Price, said he was shocked and saddened that the popular play area had been hit by vandals.

“I’m disgusted,” he said. “”It’s a kids’ play area and so important to Goodwick. There is not a lot of money in the county at the moment. Having to spend money repairing stuff is disgraceful. It should never be.”

Cllr Price urged locals to be vigilant and call the police on 101 if they saw any anti-social behaviour or vandalism in the area of the park.