A NURSERY has been left counting the cost after its new play equipment was repeatedly attacked by vandals as young as 10.

The equipment, including a canvas-covered sun shade area, was put in place at the Early Years Centre, Newtown Nursery, Colne, in April, but it has already been had graffiti written on it, been burned and badly ripped in overnight attacks.

Nursery manager Hannah Bardsley said the sun shade, which cost more than £500 to put in place, was now in need of major repair.

Neighbours took photo-graphs some of the vandals, as they climbed on to the roof of the nursery building and jumped down into the sail-like sheet, but police who have launched an investigation said the young children could not be properly identified.

Officers asked people in the West Street area to remain vigilant.

Miss Bardsley said the first damage was graffiti. "Then, we noticed a load of little holes in it, like cigarette burns.

"Then they started getting on the roof of the nursery and jumping on to the sheet.

"There was a little rip when they did it a couple of weeks ago, and last week they did it again, and this time they have put a huge rip in it and almost ruined it.

"We got it from down south and it's going to cost a lot to get them to repair it, so we're just hoping someone locally can do it a bit cheaper.

"We've never really had much vandalism before, but obviously we're worried that as the summer holidays go on it's going to happen even more.

"It's a real shame because the children love sitting out there when the weather's fine and having the shade means they can sit out a bit longer for story time and things without getting burned.

"These vandals are really spoiling it for everyone."

PC Andy Baldwin, of Colne police, said officers were investigating.

He said: "It looks like the nursery is being targeted and from what we can tell from neighbours, the culprits are young children, perhaps only 10 or 12."

Anyone with information about the vandalism can contact police on 01282 425001.