A PARK which saw its picnic benches destroyed during a series of arson attacks last summer has had new vandal proof furniture installed.

Eaton Street Park, Prescot had a special hardened bench delivered which was paid for by Prescot Town Council.

The destruction cost around £3,000 and instead of replacing like for like, new furniture was secured that is made of cast concrete. It is non-combustible, heavy and it is easy to clean off graffiti from it.

"The community were devastated by a spate of arson attacks on the park last year, destroying our park picnic benches that many families enjoyed sitting together on," said a spokesman for the volunteer group Friends of Eaton Street Park.

"Some families in our area will not be able to afford holidays away this summer and our park is an invaluable resource for them. The Pavilion, is opened by Friends of Eaton Street Park every Sunday and is very well supported and attended by our community."

The park has Green Flag Status and the Friends are hoping to buy another matching bench from funds raised to be in place for the next Picnic in the Park Event, after last July's inaugural success.