IT’S been providing fun for young children for four decades but now a popular play park could be driven out of existence by repeated vandalism attacks.

The Pleasure Park in Southampton Sports Centre has been targeted by vandals five times since the beginning of April.

Owner’s Fred and Gary Salter say they may be forced to close if the attacks continue.

In one incident vandals cut through a fence to gain access then ransacked the site.

A large figure of a dog, which was bolted to a bench, was stolen and the bench smashed to pieces. The children’s roundabout was also damaged with many of its bikes ripped off.

Intruders also broke in and trashed the kiosk in what the owners believe was an attempt to steal cash.

Speaking about the vandalism, co-owner Gary said: “You know it’s just a bunch of kids, it’s so frustrating.

“We feel like we are the only ones trying to keep the place alive and it’s so underused.”

The park was opened by the Salter family more than 45 years ago, with Gary and Fred’s parents, Don and Betty, running the park until their death in 2014.

“It has been hard lately, only a year and a half ago I had a heart attack,” said Fred, who told the Daily Echo that he stays late at the park to keep watch.

Although the damage has had financial implications, Fred said that it is more about memories that damaged and stolen items like the roundabout and the dog statue hold.

He said: “When a child forgets their coat, I put it on the dog and a lot of the time they see it when they come back.

“They see the dog wearing it and laugh when they realise its theirs.”

Cllr John Hannides of Bassett ward said: “The pleasure park is a valuable asset to the city which is enjoyed by people from all over. Anything that causes distress for the owners is a great shame.”

Cllr Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “Vandalism isn’t clever, it impacts lives and enjoyment.

“I hope whoever is doing it thinks twice next time because they are ruining family days out.”

The brothers are offering children with disabilities and charities free two-hour birthday parties at the venue.

“We aren’t businessmen, we are community people, we grew up in Bitterne,” said Fred.

“Its not about the money, it’s about being able to offer the people of this city a place to come with their children which is affordable and fun – the vandals are jeopardising that.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: “We have not received any reports recently in relation to anti-social behaviour or criminal damage at the Pleasure Park in Bassett.

“However, we would encourage any victim of a crime of this nature to contact police in the first instance so we can investigate the matter and resolve it appropriately.”