VANDALS have trashed a new bridge built by volunteers as part of a community forest project in Swindon.

The wooden bridge over a stream was only completed at Easter, but it has already been attacked twice, causing more than £300-worth of damage.

Chairman of Hreod Burna Urban Forest Steve Thompson told the Advertiser: “The volunteers are hopping mad.”

He and his wife actually caught the hooligans red handed on one of the occasions. They were walking their dog on Sunday when they heard the sound of breaking wood.

“As we approached the bridge we saw about seven youths and four girls gathered by the bridge and one of the youths was kicking a rail out of the handrail support, I shouted at them and approached them and they ran off.”

He reported it to the police.

“I told them that estimate the damage at £300 pounds and the youth doing the damage was wearing a light blue hoody. But this isn't enough information to start an investigation.

“Unfortunately £300 is a lot of money to our little organisation and we will be pressed to find it.”

More damage was inflicted on Tuesday.

“A lot of work went into making the bridge,” he said. “All work was done by volunteers led by a retired carpenter and they made a jolly good job of it. It is a much needed crossing of the brook and has attracted lots of complimentary comments from local people many of whom are upset.”

He added: “I’ve worked in parks all my life and I’m feeling a bit dejected.”

The forest project was started after developers abandoned a £30m scheme for 250 houses on the Pickards Small Field and Kembrey Grass site at Gorse Hill in 2012, following stiff opposition from residents, councillors and the Hreod Burna Parkway Conservation Group.

Disappointed residents took to social media this week to condemn the vandals.

On the urban forest’s Facebook page Tony Hillier said: “The young people showed no respect for public property, in fact destroyed it.”

He hoped that if they were caught they would have to do community payback work.

Michaela Johnston was saddened by the news. “It’s beautiful over there now and my dog and I love the woods, and pond. Their parents must be so proud!” she said.

Regular Laura Stiff said: “On the whole as a frequent visitor I have seen many well behaved kids up there, such a shame a small minority seems hell bent on spoiling it for the majority.”

And Flora Wilkins added: “This is so sad. Such a lovely bridge enjoyed by all and these rails were put up for safety!!! Please let's hope someone saw something.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101.