Damage to the safety flooring at St Maurice Play Park in Plympton has left a popular community facility awaiting repairs, with a local councillor calling for the site to be restored as quickly as possible.

Protective flooring has been ripped up at the park, prompting concern from residents and questions over whether the damage was caused by recent stormy weather or deliberate vandalism.

Plymouth City Council is still assessing the damage, and Plympton Erle ward councillor Terri Beer said it would be “inappropriate to speculate” in the meantime.

“It is deeply disappointing to see damage to facilities that exist for the benefit of local children and families,” she said. “Play parks are valuable community assets, particularly in areas where many families rely on free outdoor recreational spaces.”

The damage has been reported and the affected equipment made safe while the council considers what repairs or replacement work is needed.

Cllr Beer said that the park was particularly close to her heart, having played there herself as a child, and because it is situated in one of the most deprived parts of her ward, adding that the area is in urgent need of wider investment.

In a post online, she described the damage as “absolutely disgraceful”, saying the cost of repairs would ultimately fall to taxpayers.

One resident commented that her 11-year-old niece had discovered the damage on Monday, October 26, having visited the park the previous day when it was reportedly intact.

The family said they also reported the incident and that the children had left the park early on Sunday after feeling uncomfortable around a group of older teenagers.

Cllr Beer said it was unlikely the council would pursue criminal charges if deliberate damage was established, but hopes the community will come together so the facility is restored quickly and treated with the respect it deserves in the future.

She urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the council and asked residents to remain vigilant.