VILLAGERS living near Didcot could launch a fundraising drive to pay for replacement play equipment after thieves stripped their play area to sell the metal.

The thieves struck last month at the Bodkins play area in Long Wittenham, removing four metal swings and a metal assault-course bridge.

Police are investigating the theft off Northfield Lane but there is no CCTV footage and so far no witnesses have come forward with information about the theft, which took place late on Friday, August 19, or during the early hours of Saturday, August 20.

Parish council chairman Tom Bowtell has been told it will cost about £1,000 to replace the stolen equipment.

He said: “The village is shocked by this because it is usually a very quiet place and there is hardly any serious crime.

“We don’t know yet if the whole cost will be covered by insurance so we may have to launch a fundraising drive to cover any extra costs.”

Youngsters missing the swings include pupils at nearby Long Wittenham Primary School and village children who attend schools elsewhere.

Arts administrator Jane May, 63, a former parish councillor who lives next to the play area with her husband Richard, said: “Children kept turning up to play at the end of the summer holidays and there was nothing left for them to play on – they were very disappointed.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505.