COMMUNITY projects in Johnston have been shelved, after vandals caused more than £4,000 worth of damage to the village’s skate park.

At some point overnight on Friday, May 29, the wooden fencing that surrounds the park was targeted, and the sound proofing membrane slashed and ripped, with the inner wadding pulled out.

Local county councillor Ken Rowlands said: “We’re very saddened by it; when you consider it’s there for the benefit of parents and children.

“Children at the village school are devastated.”

The skate park was built in 2012, but the ‘acoustic barrier’ - costing around £14,000 - was added to the site earlier this year, following noise complaints from locals.

Community council clerk Gareth Nicholls said he was not yet sure whether the council’s insurance would cover the damage, and fears this latest cost will set back future projects.

“It has hit our reserves, which mean we can’t possibly go ahead with some other projects we would have like to do,” he said.

Last year the council obtained access to a large area of land just beyond Glebelands, which the council had hoped to transform into allotments, community orchards or a playground.

Asked who he thought was to blame for the vandalism, he said: “I suspect it is a handful of idiots who have spoilt it for the whole village.”

The damaged panels have now been boarded up, and the skate park is still open to the public.

Police are asking local residents to be vigilant in case further damage occurs, and to contact Milford Haven neighbourhood policing team on 101 if they have any information about the incident.