A CHILDREN'S play park in Basingstoke has been closed by the council after being vandalised.

Residents of Mauritius Close in Popley have reported vandalism and anti-social behavior taking place in the park on a consistent basis. The surfacing in the play park has been ripped up on multiple occasions, even after new surfacing has been put down.

The mess was evident all over the park, with residents also reporting finding bits of glass, and cigarette butts across the floor.

One resident said it was "a shame to see a park intended for the youth being so carelessly trashed, and for nothing."

They added that residents and the council had been to the park numerous times to keep it safe and clean for children to use.

Kelly Reed, who is the owner of Hairpassion and lives in Mauritius Close, said: "Myself and a few of the other residents around here have young children, who are always using and playing in the park. 

"It's such a shame they cannot use it currently in the condition it is in. We are very lucky to have a play park so close to us, but unfortunately, it's not being used for its correct purpose which is a shame, with the kids in our community missing out as a result."

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council responded on its Twitter account, saying: "We are sorry to say that we have had to close the play area at Mauritius Close due to repeated vandalism to the safety surfacing making it unsafe for children to play in.

"We know that our play areas and parks are hugely valued by our residents which is why this vandalism is extremely disappointing. We want to reassure residents that our team is working hard to get the surfacing replaced and we apologise for the inconvenience caused.