Vandals have already started destroying new play areas being created as part of a £2.5 million project in Wolverhampton.

Natural play areas are being developed at 28 locations across the city featuring attractions like log seating, climbing frames with nets and balance beams where possible made out of wood and other natural materials.

But the projects are already being blasted as a complete waste of money by users, with one finished new park already daubed in graffiti.

Several of the new play areas have now been completed, including those at Woodcross Park, Ashmore Park, Springvale Park, Windsor Avenue, Northwood Park, Patshull Avenue and Pendeford Dovecotes.

Kevin Williams, who takes his eight-year-old son Shain to the Ashmore Park play area near Wednesfield, today said: “I am around this area a lot because of my son. We really don’t think much of the new play area at all.

“There was a normal play area there before with swings and slide which was gated to protect it. They got rid of it to create this one.”

The 45-year-old from Brooklands Parade, East Park, Wolverhampton, added: “It’s not worth it at all.

“My son doesn’t bother with it because there’s nothing really there – just some bits of wood on the floor.

“Everybody is saying the same and there are always loads of people sitting around there drunk. It is already covered in graffiti.”

Construction of the remaining natural play areas is expected to be complete within the next year.

An adventure playground based around a new eco-friendly building is also being developed in Old Fallings Crescent, Low Hill.

The massive project is being carried out by Wolverhampton City Council and Groundwork Black Country thanks to a grant of around £2.5 million from the Department for Children, Families and Schools, which awarded the City of Wolverhampton Play Pathfinder Status last year.

Additional funding has been provided by All Saints Blakenhall Community Development and the BIG Lottery.