VANDALS have damaged a bridge, benches and fencing along the town path.

First they destroyed railings alongside the wooden footbridge at the north end of the path that connects Harnham and the city centre.

The vandals then threw the debris into the river. The council put up temporary safety barriers but vandals threw them into the water too.

They were recovered, but vandals again chucked them into the river n Tuesday night.

And a bench was ripped from its concrete foundations and dragged across the path this weekend.

Meadows bailiff John Beckett said he was unhappy about the spate of “hooliganism”

along what is a popular route for visitors to the city.

Harnham Water Meadows trustee Jan Fitzjohn said the damage was “dreadful” and “quite unacceptable”, adding that the bridge was in a dangerous state.

Journal reader Mary Parker-Smith described the damage as “a complete eyesore”.

She said: “How much more damage will be done before the bridge and path are closed for ‘health and safety’ reasons?

“Whoever is responsible for repairs needs to deal with this asap before this becomes a major project.”

Reader Catherine Demetriadi said: “An iconic Salisbury landmark and view were being vandalised and the safety of the bridge was in danger.”

Wiltshire Council said it would continue to make the bridge safe while seeking a new, long-term solution.