PARISH councillors, parents and businesses have dug deep to fix-up an Oxford pre-school’s play area after an attack by vandals.

Plants, posters and a window were destroyed and left strewn across the grass at Shepherd’s Hill Pre-School, in the grounds of Windale Primary School, in Blackbird Leys, when the 80 children arrived on Monday.

Toys and garden furniture had also been broken and stamped into the ground, and new goalposts were damaged beyond repair.

The yobs had thrown mud and wet sand at the windows and plastered it over the outside walls – some spelling out the words ‘You’re gay’.

Blackbird Leys parish councillors were so upset to hear about the damage they have offered £500 to help get the play area back on its feet.

Other anonymous donors, including one from as far away as Kent, also pledged money to repair the damage, and local branches of DIY chains Homebase and B&Q have offered sand and a bird table and plants.

Pre-school manager Sarah Pearson said: “The community has really pulled together. We didn’t expect this reaction. It’s fantastic.

“It’s nice to know there are people out there who do care. They are really angry youths have caused this mindless damage.”

It was the second time in a week the pre-school had been a target for vandals, and the third time this year.

Parents Steve Scane and Chris Davis were given time off from their jobs at the Post Office to help tidy up the mess this week and make it safe.

Police also recommended anti-vandal paint on the fence to deter the yobs.

Parish council chairman Gordon Roper said: “When I heard about it, I phoned around all the parish councillors and we were all in agreement we should replace all of the play equipment.

“They would otherwise have to find £500 from somewhere.

“We try to do our bit for the estate. That’s what we’re here for.

“The vandalism that some of these young louts on the estate do is not good for Blackbird Leys. It does the estate no good whatsoever.

“I only wish residents would report it, so we can bring these vandals to justice and prosecute them.”