A CCTV network could be installed in Williton's Memorial Ground in a bid to beat vandalism.

Williton Parish Council invested £24,000 in the children's play area at the ground just eight months ago, redesigning the layout and installing a range of new equipment for two to 12-year-olds.

The improvements included the installation of a train, a tunnel, rope ladders and tower structure, as well as a storytelling area and new grass safety matting.

But since it was opened last November the area has been targeted by vandals.

In the most recent incident within the last week, the storytelling area suffered the most damage.

But the vandals also sprayed offensive graffiti on the ceiling of the shelter in the play area and on a commemorative plaque at the war memorial on the other side of the ground.

Parish council chairman Cllr Robert McDonald described the damage to the play area as "serious" at the authority's monthly meeting on Monday.

"They have damaged the wicker screen below the storytelling area and the board that surrounds the area has been used as a kicking board - it's smashed up."

Cllr McDonald said the surface had also been dug up and the special membrane beneath it exposed.

He said the damage was still being assessed, although the graffiti on the war memorial plaque - which had been targeted for the first time - had been removed.

"We are trying to get on top of it but I think we seriously need to re-look at getting CCTV."

The council had previously considered installing surveillance cameras but had decided to wait until the construction of a planned new pavilion at the ground.

But Cllr McDonald said he did not believe the authority could wait that long.

"Up until now, it appeared the war memorial was sacrosanct but even that has been targeted.

"Everyone needs to be vigilant and we all need to keep our eyes open.

"If it gets any worse, it is going to start seriously costing us."

The incidents have been reported to the police and local police community support officer Sue Thompson heard about them first hand at Monday's meeting.

She told councillors that the area had been and would continue to be a key focus for officers but that resources were limited.

She said that during July police received a total of 57 calls relating to incidents in the Williton area.

Crime recorded during the period included one theft, one incident of violence against a person, one assault, a non-dwelling burglary and one offence of causing alarm or harassment.