A RECREATION area wrecked by thugs following a £26,000 renovation looks set to have a CCTV deterrent by winter.

A state-of the-art children's play area and new outdoor fitness zone, were hit by vandals in a spate of attacks last year, after building work was completed.

A 16 metre stretch of fencing was torn down, a bench was destroyed and trees were snapped at the 16 acre site in Cresthill Avenue.

Shattered pieces of wood from the broken fence and five inch nails were found on the floor near to where youngsters play.

Cookham Parish Council chairman Derek Fry said it had been “demoralising” to see the damage done at the site, located just behind council's offices in High Road, after such substantial investment.

Now, prompted by the damage, plans to implement CCTV on the grounds are well underway.

The contract for the work, estimated to cost about £8,000 to £9,000, has gone out to tender and councillors hope it will be done in the next few months.

New parish clerk Anne Osborne said: “The councillors want to get something installed before winter and it's high on the council's agenda.”

She said it was important the quality of the equipment was maintained and councillors hoped CCTV would provide a deterrent to would-be vandals.