RESIDENTS in East Tilbury have been lamenting the latest act of vandalism that has destroyed children's swings in Gobions Park.

The park's volunteer group had applied to Thurrock Council to replace the swings, but have been told the authority does not have the funds for a replacement, which it estimates would cost £8,000.

The council says as well as new swings the frame that needs repairing and part of the rubber safety mat replacing.

That has split opinion, with some residents saying the council has wildly overestimated the cost, while others say that it is the right thing not to replace the swings if they are only going to keep getting destroyed.

Ward councillor Sue Sammons says: "The council will not fund this as the budget was all used up for new skate park. How sad for younger children who loved this."