A CHILDREN'S play area has been damaged in a "mindless" act of vandalism.

Maes y Pant, a 70-acre forest space in Gresford and Marford, is run by an action group made up of local villagers.

Maes y Pant Action Group chairman Trevor Britton said he was disheartened to find on Sunday (July 19) that someone had caused intentional damage at the site's play area for children.

"We think it happened on the Saturday evening," he said. "We've had previous vandalism issues where gym equipment was damaged, but this time in the play area there is a platform with pine boards - someone has snapped one in half. "It was definitely deliberate, it is a substantial piece of wood.

"We also have a four-sided structure which people call 'the fort' and it has window openings.

"They are covered in half logs to make them look rustic, but a number of them have been pulled off and that has weakened the structure.

"We have always suffered with vandalism to an extent in the nine or ten years we've been here."

An appeal on the site's Facebook page labelled the damage as "significant" and "mindless."

The statement went on to say the vandals had targeted the children's play area "at a time when they need it most."

Mr Britton confirmed the incident has been reported to North Wales Police and urged anyone who has information to contact the force on 101 with the reference number Y103 052.

North Wales Police has been approached for a comment.