A CHILD could have been killed after vandals attacked a new skate park with a high-powered cutting tool.

Ray Brookes, chief executive of Wyre Forest Community Housing, said damage deliberately inflicted on skateboarding ramps at Borrington Road Skate Park could have caused a serious injury - or even death - to the next child who used it.

He insisted such behaviour - just a week after the newly planted sensory garden at Broadwaters Park was also hit by vandals - would be stamped on.

He added a continuation of such abuse of the skate park, which opened with a gala fun day in July, could dash plans to improve others in the district.

The £1,500 repair bill has been picked up by community housing which has pledged a reward of £500 for evidence leading to the prosecution of the culprits.

"It's not just about the cost of replacing the equipment," Mr Brookes said.

"Some of the metal ramp supports had been cut through and the damage inflicted could have caused a serious injury or even a fatality to the next child who used it.

"Fortunately, we carry out a daily inspection of the play area and the following morning we were able to take immediate steps to make it safe."

He added residents and children were "sickened" by Thursday night's vandalism and his organisation was determined to take firm action against the perpetrators - who could be evicted if they were found to be community housing tenants.

"We are serious about stamping out this type of behaviour and our specialist Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and neighbourhood wardens will be working closely with police to discover who is responsible," he said.

"We will not hesitate in taking a private prosecution against the culprits and we are sending a clear message to the vandals - this type of behaviour will not be tolerated."

The skate park and neighbouring state-of-the-art children's play area have featured in national award schemes as an example of excellent community involvement.

The refurbishment cost £200,000, comprising largely grants applied for by the Offmore Comberton Action Group.

The group is made up of residents and councillors, who viewed the skate park and play area as the "carrot" to follow the "stick" of a series of Anti Social Behaviour Orders implemented at the height of behavioural problems on the estate in 2002.

A joint statement by Offmore and Comberton councillors, Mike and Fran Oborksi and Siri Hayward, said they were "utterly disgusted" by the vandalism.

Mr Oborski is also chairman of Offmore Comberton Action Group.

"What sort of utter idiots set out to destroy a new public amenity which offers so much pleasure to local youngsters?" they said.

"The culprits are pathetic and immature little idiots who ought to be ashamed of themselves.

"If they weren't so pathetically stupid, one could almost be sorry for them."

Mr Brookes said his organisation was currently seeking grants to develop other skate parks in the Shawhedge Road and Wribbenhall areas of Bewdley.

"The message we need to get out is this isn't just a bit of wilful damage but has an impact on us being able to develop other facilities in Wyre Forest," he said.

"If the Government and grant sources decide they're not sustainable because of vandalism that will impact on future grant making.

"We need to make sure the community wants these facilities and protects them."

PC Bob Fearnall, beat manager for Wyre Forest East, said a 14-year-old had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage but inquiries were continuing.

He asked anyone with information to contact Kidderminster police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

He said an allegation of malicious damage to the new sensory garden at Broadwaters Park had also been received and extra attention was being paid to the area as part of an initiative to reduce nuisance around the time of Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night.

Jane Abraham, fund-raising officer for Friends of Broadwaters, said 20 plants had gone missing within five days of the garden being planted by volunteers on Saturday, October 23.

"We're very angry," she said.

"The garden itself cost approximately £3,000, with the benches and it was done for people to sit and enjoy.

"It has a lot of sensory plants so blind people can sit and enjoy it. All the pathways had been done to make way for wheelchairs and is not there to be abused."