Security guards could be hired to stop vandals from wrecking a children's park.

Chatsworth Park North in Telscombe Cliffs, near Newhaven, has become a target for arsonists who set fire to bushes, plants and playground equipment.

The park also attracts underage drinkers who leave broken glass and bottles. The problems have escalated over the past 12 months and so far attempts to curb them have failed.

Police officers have already increased their patrols, after being contacted by Telscombe Town Council.

Now the council is considering hiring a security firm to patrol the park during the night.

Town clerk Kathleen Verrall, said: "It is very sad we are having to consider this, but we are hoping it will act as a deterrent.

"Obviously the arson attacks are potentially very dangerous, as is broken glass lying around in the park when it is being used by young children.

"We did try contacting the police first. They have tried to help but they are short of manpower and can only do so much.

"We will not have a guard there full-time but we hope it will be enough to stop the vandals."

Last Christmas, the park had to be shut for several weeks after vandals burnt through one of the supporting beams on the playground equipment, making it structurally unsafe.

The council has already contacted Securicor for an estimate of how much a patrol would cost.

The matter will be discussed by the council's amenities committee tomorrow.

If members decide to go ahead, money will be taken from the existing amenities budget.