There have also been incidents of fire-raising, one of which was so serious a burned-out tyre swing has had to be removed.

One parent who visited the site said, “We ended up coming away because the condition of some of the play equipment was so dangerous.

“There were sharp bits of wood lying in the sand and sticking out here and there.

“Another bit was all black from where a fire had obviously been started.

“Just about every surface has been scribbled on. It was a real mess, and was badly in need of some repairs.”

Local councillor Rod Wallace said problems at the area, known locally as the “sandy park”, had died down after vandalism in 2002, but had started again recently.

The destruction, which forced the temporary closure of the facility three years ago, was blamed on local children, but it’s suspected groups of BMX riders from other estates are responsible for the latest outbreak.

“I have been aware of more ‘bikers’ from outside the area — you see them coming across from Sainsbury’s and places onwards and outwards,” said Councillor Wallace.

“I think we’ve managed to convince local people the park is for their benefit, but others seem to be hell-bent on destruction of anything that stands there.

“I have spoken to the police, who are keeping an eye on the area. It is a very prominent site, a lovely playpark in a nice setting, but unfortunately others don’t see it that way.”

It’s understood the park underwent a refit costing thousands of pounds earlier this year.

Plans are now being put in place for repairs to be carried out.

“Things had been riding along smoothly, and we are coming up to the warm weather now,” added the councillor. “It’s frustrating this has happened again because of silly-minded individuals.”

Responsibility for the upkeep of the park lies with the Glasgow-based Scottish Greenbelt Company. Nobody was available for comment today.