Vandals have closed a children's play park in Co Down after setting fire to the specially built boat and climbing frames.
The playground at Ballywalter is popular with local children and youngsters visiting the area and the caravan parks.
The specially designed boat is positioned on an outdoor safety flooring and had a series of ladders and climbing areas inside.
But on Wednesday night, vandals removed part of the wooden hull and set a fire beneath the structure.
And now local councillor Eddie Thompson has confirmed the play park is out of bounds as Easter approaches.
He said: "Once again anti-social behaviour has had a negative knock-on effect on the community and this time it is the younger children who are paying the price.
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"The wooden ship constructions were put in place across various villages as part of the Mourne Coastal Route Programme a few years ago and they've proved very popular for local children and visitors.
"Now Ballywalter's ship is out of bounds and the council are left to repair the damage to make it safe and to allow children back to their playground."
Workers from Ards and North Down Borough Council have cordoned off the play park with temporary fencing.
Councillor Thompson added: "I have contacted the council staff concerned and requested that the fire damage is repaired as soon as possible.
"The ships in all the villages are well used by the villagers and tourists visitors, and we need these repairs to be completed before Easter."
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