A NUMBER of park benches were severely burnt, a nearby tree charred and a litter bin set on fire in a recent episode of vandalism.

The damage was done on the Chippenham Playing Fields, in addition to the fires, several park benches appear to have been forcably removed and left at the A40 underpass near the Beech Road housing estate.

The vandalism was discovered on Sunday morning. It is understood that the fire started during the later hours of Saturday evening or very early Sunday morning.

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said: "We would like to thank the resident who alerted us to a number of vandalised benches and a litter bin at Chippenham Fields.

"We have removed all the benches that were taken from site and deposited under the bypass. The benches will be replaced to their original position as soon as possible. Unfortunately the litter bin was completely burnt out along with another bench and neither can be replaced."