Increasingly vile behaviour at a Merseyside "hidden gem" is making people "fear" using their local beauty spots.
Visitors to Norris Green Park have watched their "beloved green space" be "torn apart by vandals" after a number of incidents in the last few weeks.
Four fires were set in the space of just ten days, destroying play equipment and youths have reportedly been ripping out trees and "destroying everything".
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One user, who did not wish to be named, told the ECHO : "It's horrible. This park means so much to so many, a lot of work has been put into it and people are going to be scared to use it."
Another said: "I am apprehensive over letting my child play here, the few ruin it for the many."
A third added: "We love it here but it's such a shame seeing the damage. Why can't people respect their surroundings, it's being torn apart by vandals who have no respect whatsoever."
The Friends of Norris Green Group has been working hard on the park to make it enjoyable for all.
One board member said: "It's a place for the community to enjoy without fear of abuse but the last few weeks it's gone from bad to worse.
"There's a lot of people now fearful to go in the park, it's getting out of hand. The group works hard to improve the space, it was a dump, and now it's grown and is right on our doorstep.
"The community spirit is strong but when things like this happen, it pushes that work back quite considerably. My worry is if they keep doing this, what's going to be left to destroy? And these kids aren't afraid to give abuse.
"It's the minority but if you want to destroy it, just leave it alone. It's a draw for families and people deserve to enjoy it. Parents should know where their children are."
Cllr Barry Kushner added a previous dispersal order moved young people to the park, but additional patrols will be carried out.
He told the ECHO: "People should respect our park. It's central and volunteers put time and effort in to make it a beautiful place.
"It's a hidden gem and is now very well used."
Anyone who spots anti-social behaviour is being urged to contact Liverpool Council or Merseyside Police as soon as possible.
Additional security will be carried out around the park over the next few nights, councillors confirmed.
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