A play area in Stevenage has been forced to close during the summer holidays after vandals threw shiny white gloss paint over the equipment.
The play area, off Emperors Gate, will be closed for repairs until further notice.
A Stevenage Borough Council spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, someone thought that Emperors Head play area would look better painted in shiny white gloss.
"They were wrong. And now the play area is closed while we carry out the necessary repairs.
"This mindless vandalism will cost us time and money, and means that children can't use their local play area.
"We will carry out the repairs as quickly as we can, in the meantime please do not enter the play area while it's closed."
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