QUEENS Park has been vandalised and left with costly fire damage. 

The park this morning shows the aftermath of two fires in the play area, with a section near the slide and rubber protector matting being damaged. 

A volunteer discovered the condition of the park this morning. 

They said: "I’ve been anticipating major damage like this for some time now. There’s been a build up to it of many smaller fires in and around the children’s play area in Queen's Park.

"The council has carried out repair work to fire damage on numerous occasions. All these repairs must cost thousands of pounds.

St Helens Star: Protective matting in the park has also been damaged Protective matting in the park has also been damaged

St Helens Star:

"I’ve also seen incidents of fire damage to the bandstand in Victoria Park recently too.

"The council have also carried out resurfacing work there due to the severity of the damage.

"There seems to be a trend with youngsters starting fires. It’s becoming more and more frequent and severe."

The area around the park was also filled with litter, with a needle case discovered outside Peter Street Community Centre.