Vandals who targeted Clifford Park may have scuppered Kingsteignton's plans for a £40,000 skate and BMX park, just as the dream looked set to become a reality.

Rubber safety matting has been ripped up from underneath the junior swings, causing damage that will cost at least £7,500 to repair.

The toddlers' swings have also been damaged, as has a climbing post, and with no money available in the foreseeable future to fix the problem the town council has removed the equipment.

On Wednesday, signs went up informing families of the problems and the council's predicament.

But what the notices did not reveal was that fears about investing in a troublespot had spawned doubts about approving plans for the long-awaited skate area.

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