IGNORANT yobs have trashed two ‘teen shelters’ so badly they have had to be removed.

The miscreants struck at Great Wakering Recreation Ground where they caused thousands of pounds in damage to the structures.

They have also been screetching around the playing field in stolen cars, which have then been burned out.

Rochford District Council has now been forced to remove the shelters which were designed as ‘hang outs’ where youngsters could meet their friends.

Graham Browne, Rochford District Council’s antisocial behaviour officer, said they were forced to do this to prevent anyone being injured.

He said: “It’s regrettable that as a result of previous damage and now these on-going attacks, the Council has with great reluctance decided to remove the shelters for safety reasons.”

The vandalism spree began at the beginning of November and has focused on the shelters at the eastern and western ends of the recreation ground.

They have had white paint was chucked over them, supporting metal structures ripped out, and an entire metal panel removed.

A mural It even got to the point where a mural which gave teenagers the chance to do some official graffiti artwork was wrecked.

Three burned out vehicles were left there, two of which the police have now discovered too be stolen.

Insp Jeff Appleby, of Rochford police, said: “These incidents are unusual for Great Wakering and because it is exceptional it maybe that someone in the village has seen or heard something that could lead us to the people behind this damage.

“It is important that we find the vandals responsible as soon as possible. Their activities are denying villagers the use of what is a valuable and popular community amenity and that is not acceptable.” He urged anyone with information, however inconsequential it may seem, to contact police at Rayleigh on 101.