PLAY equipment worth �750 has been stolen from a March park - just two days after it had been replaced following vandalism last year.

The play hammock was taken from the recreation ground off Robingoodfellow’s Lane between noon on July 27 and 6pm the following day. It had only been replaced on July 25 after the previous one was vandalised.

Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said the council would have to weld the equipment in place to stop the thefts.

He said: “It is infuriating when this sort of thing takes place. We’re committed to improving all our play parks and are continuing to invest a lot of money in them.

“This particular piece of equipment cost �750 and has only very recently been replaced after being vandalised last year, so now to have it stolen is particularly disappointing.

“We will be replacing it again but this time we’ll be welding the nuts and bolts to prevent further thefts. That, of course, will make maintenance a little harder but sadly it seems something we have to do.”

It is thought that the thieves used tools to steal the expensive red hammock, which was held in place by nuts and bolts. The theft was reported to police on Monday.

Pc Phil Richardson, investigating, said: “This equipment was provided for the young people of March to play on.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw it being stolen, or has any information to contact police.”

Anyone with any information should call PC Richardson on 0345 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.