PARENTS have been urged to keep a close eye on children in Hermitage Park after a safety fence was broken down by vandals – twice in the same day.

The fence separating contractor Hawthorn Heights' work area from the children's play area in the park was targeted on two separate occasions on Monday, June 24.

The damage was fixed as soon as it was discovered – but the incidents have sparked a plea from the Friends of Hermitage Park, who are working on the area's regeneration with Argyll and Bute Council, for mums, dads and grandparents to keep a particular watch on children using the adjacent play area.

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The Friends said in a statement posted on Facebook on Monday evening: "Vandals have broken down the contractor's fence beside the playpark twice today.

"It has been fixed as soon as it was seen and the whole fence will be strengthened and improved as a matter of urgency. "PLEASE be extra vigilant supervising children at the playpark to ensure they do not get inside the works area which is full of hazards and a steep drop.

"If you see anyone interfering with the fence please call the police."

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Contractors Hawthorn Heights are currently on site carrying out around 12 weeks of work to compete landscaping around the park’s new Passivhaus pavilion, which was handed over to Argyll and Bute Council in mid-May – eight months later than planned.

Their work is due to be completed by August.