A Stevenage play area has now been reopened after vandals forced the council to close it earlier this week.

Emperors Head playground was closed on Tuesday, after white gloss paint was strewn over the equipment.

Stevenage Borough Council dubbed the vandalism "mindless" in social media post.Emperors Head play area has now reopenedEmperors Head play area has now reopened (Image: Stevenage Borough Council)

They 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."

The site, off Emperors Gate, was able to reopen yesterday, with the council saying: "We’ve worked hard over the past few days to carry out the necessary repairs to the site after it was vandalised.

"We will be working with the police to assist with the investigation."