A VILLAGE councillor has hit out at vandals who went on a wrecking spree and caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a playpark.

The yobs who smashed up a slide in Birkmyre Park have been branded despicable by David Wilson especially during the holidays when children are off school.

Part of the park is now out of action as a result.

It is understood that vandals struck between Monday overnight into Tuesday.

Mr Wilson told the Telegraph: "It's shocking.

"It is a very busy play area.

"So many children enjoy playing there, especially at this time of year.

"Children come up from Port Glasgow on the cycle track with their parents and play there and families from Renfrewshire too.

"There was enough damage caused to cordon off the slide.

"It is in a great situation in the Birkmyre Park with the cafe nearby and it is a wonderful facility."

Mr Wilson says it is 'most unusual' to see such a mindless act in the village but says the actions of the people responsible are inexcusable.

Councillor Wilson said: "There is so much to do with the likes of rugby and cycling and instead theyo concentrate on breaking something up."

Council bosses say that it will cost £500 to repair the damage, excluding labour.

Footage from CCTV cameras is is being examined.

A council spokesman said: "The play equipment at Birkmyre Park in Kilmacolm has unfortunately been vandalised.

"The damaged areas have been fenced off for safety reasons and until we can source replacement parts to carry out repairs, which could take some time.

"It’s incredibly frustrating that a small minority seem determined to spoil the fun for others by ruining our play parks and also sports pitches in other parts of the area.

"We’ve invested heavily in our parks and pitches for the benefit of our children, young people and the wider community so it’s deeply disappointing that mindless acts like this ruins it for everyone else and creates an additional expense for taxpayers.

"We urge any witnesses or anyone with information to please contact the police."

Anyone with information should call Greenock police on 101.