VANDALS have targeted a popular park which is undergoing a £2 million transformation.

Yobs have sprayed graffiti on pavement and some steps in Rhyddings Park in Oswaldtwistle.

Walker Catherine Byrnes, who made the discovery on Sunday morning, said she was ‘disappointed and saddened’ by the act.

She said: “It’s completely unnecessary, as so many people use the park properly and look after it, so it’s a real blow for them.”

Cllr Stewart Eaves, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said: “It’s awful as there has been a lot of investment and hard work that has gone into improving the park.

“The people who have done this need to grow up as this is just infantile behaviour.

"It's a disgrace."

It comes as work continues to refurbish the park with money being used to restore the Coach House to make a new community venue.

A new performance space and resources for schools and for growing food are also included in the plans.

A council spokesman said: “ We are aware of the graffiti and we’ll get it removed as soon as possible.”