CCTV cameras may be installed at a Backwell park to prevent vandals attacking the area.

Trustees of Backwell Playing Fields Charity have made a bid for funding from Backwell Parish Council to install a series of high-tech spy cameras.

The move comes after what trustees describe as "their worst summer of vandalism ever" at the park.

Over the past few months vandals have smashed a playhouse at the Rainbow Pre-school – just hours after it was installed – and caused £1,000 of damage to open-air fitness equipment.

One piece of equipment called a rider – the equivalent of an adult rocking horse – had to be removed because it was so badly damaged.

Vandals have also smashed bottles across the play area, damaged fencing around the park and broken into buildings used by community organisations.

Backwell Playing Fields Charity chairman Michael Pratt said: "There is no doubt that this has been our worst summer ever for vandalism.

"The problems are caused by a small minority of youngsters who meet in the park at night and drink underage.

"It is so upsetting as the playhouse used by the pre-school was smashed to smithereens the same night it was installed.

"The amount of smashed glass across the park is excessive and is everywhere, including the children's play area and the skate park."

The park is also home to the judo club, youth club and the Scouts and Guides.

It is understood that the Scout and Guide hut was broken into by yobs earlier this week.

The junior football club has also been targeted by thieves and vandals.

Police carry out regular patrols of the area and are supporting trustees in their bid to install cameras.

Over the past two years, trustees estimate they have spent about £35,000 upgrading the park, installing new equipment, creating new pathways and fencing off play areas.

They have also worked with schools to plant up the area to make it more pleasant for visitors.

Money for the improvements has been generated from fundraising and grants from North Somerset, Backwell Parish Council and local businesses.

Mr Pratt said: "We plan to install a number of cameras around the site.

"These cameras will be infrared and of the highest quality to capture the best pictures possible should they be needed in a prosecution.

"We also hope that cameras will act as a deterrent and make people think twice about behaving badly in the park area."

Vandals have also targeted the play area at Moor Lane, ripping up safety surfacing, smashing farm gates and damaging play equipment.

Backwell beat manager PC Greig Difford said: "I support the trustees' application for funds for CCTV at the playing fields. The cameras would act as a deterrent and help create a safer environment."