A DARWEN playground has been described as “almost unusable” due to vandalism, and borough councillors said they were finding it difficult to fund.

Police have been targeting patrols at Bold Venture Park playground, off Bolton Road, due to its history of anti-social behaviour and noise from youths.

Blackburn with Darwen borough council is now struggling to justify funding replacement equipment and Sunnyhurst councillor Brian Taylor said the council could keep finding money for things ruined by mindless people.

He said: “It is so sad that there as been such a history of vandalism in this playground, especially as it will be the neighbours and friends of these youths that will suffer the most from their actions.

“I can appreciate how important these playgrounds are to young people but the council do not have any money to replace the equipment. We are currently pursuing alternative ideas to fund the park.”

Cllr Taylor is very hopeful that equipment will be paid for under Section 106 funds which is money that is specifically set aside from developers for playgrounds and other public amenities.

The playground was temporarily closed in 2009 after equipment was wrecked and made unsafe for use.

Last year the basket swing was stolen but the borough council could not replace it due to cuts.

Cllr Taylor said fixing the equipment or replacing it would go a long way towards helping youngsters in the area.

He said: “I think the problems are down to it being so close to the town centre. Youths will congregate and be silly, especially in the school holidays, which is perhaps why it is in such a state now.

“The park is an asset to the town and I would welcome Section 106 funding so that we can protect the wellbeing of our children.”