Calls have been made for an end to a string of vandalism at Witney's parks, recreation grounds and public buildings.

Concerned residents have been backed by Witney Town Council in an appeal to vandals to stop defacing and damaging the town's amenities.

The plea comes after play equipment at Burwell Recreation Ground was covered in graffiti and sprayed with swear words and obscenities - and as the town council prepares to install £43,000 worth of new equipment at three Witney playgrounds.

Parks at The Leys, near Witney town centre, Quarry Road and Moorland Road will be getting a makeover and the council and residents hope they will not be targeted by vandals.

Witney police have pledged to follow up all complaints of vandalism following the launch of a 'zero tolerance' approach in March, after figures showed the problem accounts for 41 per cent of west Oxfordshire's crime.

Nine people have been arrested since the start of the crackdown, with more than 20 alleged incidents of criminal damage, including graffiti, in Witney, Eynsham and Standlake.

Police have now renewed warnings that they are treating vandalism as a priority and take it extremely seriously.

Janine Howells, the council's amenities manager, said vandalism and graffiti at the town's play areas was so bad that the council's parks team visited each park every week to check for problems and even carry graffiti-removal equipment in their vehicles.

She said: "We do suffer a lot with damage to our play equipment. We recently had climbing equipment at the Raleigh Crescent park, in Deer Park, damaged and are awaiting a replacement piece, which is costing £800.

"We try to remove graffiti and repair damage quickly, but it's never-ending."

Mother-of-four Lucy Mailler, from Witney, was disappointed to see graffiti sprayed across the new equipment when she took children Sophie, two, and ten-month-old Sydney to Burwell play park on Friday.

She said: "I can't believe people are so thoughtless, it ruins it for the children and everyone else."

Witney mayor Chrissie Curry said: "Graffiti and vandalism is a huge problem. You do your best for the younger ones and it just gets ruined. It's such a shame."

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. To arrange for graffiti to be removed from the town's parks, call the council on 01993 704379.