ARGYLL and Bute Council has been praised after it spent £800 to replace a vandalised rope swing – much to the delight of peninsula youngsters.

A piece of equipment within Craigrownie Park, in Shore Road, Cove, was set alight and burned between January 31 and February 5 and while it could still be used, it was an eye-sore for the community who worked hard to get it installed.

The community park opened last July after the two years of fundraising efforts paid off.

Mhairi Benton, chairperson of the Craigrownie Park Group, said: “It is so rewarding and encouraging how quickly the council acted in having the swing replaced.

“All our hard work in raising the money for the park has definitely been worth it. We had a lovely group picnic in the park at half term and hope to have another one before the end of term.

“A big thank you to the council from all of us, particularly the children! for replacing the swing.”

A spokeswoman for Argyll and Bute Council said: “The council acted as quickly as possible to have this swing replaced at Craigrownie Park.

“We know how important the park is to the local community, so worked swiftly to ensure damaged equipment was removed and the new swing installed.

“We appreciate how hard the Craigrownie Park Group and members of the community worked to raise the money to provide the play equipment at this location.

“It is disappointing that the equipment was vandalised and we would encourage members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.”

Helensburgh police are currently following a positive line of enquiry into the vandalism but they appeal to any witnesses or residents with any information to contact them by calling 101. Police also urge the public to report concerns of anti-social behaviour.