Police have stepped up their patrols following a spate of vandalism at Hethersett memorial playing field.

Vandals ripped guttering, destroyed a petanque terrain and ripped roof tiles off the pavilion on the playing field.

Over the summer holiday they also vandalised the bottle banks and damaged the seat in front of the pavilion, which they later sprayed with graffiti.

Peter Steward, secretary of Hethersett Memorial Playing Field Trustees, said he believed some of the vandals were drinking alcohol.

'We are considering a consumption ban on the playing field,' he said.

'It doesn't stop people from drinking there as long as they are behaving themselves.

'It is a tiny minority of people but we will continue to provide the facilities. We provide facilities for men and women from toddlers to pensioners. It's just a group of people who are determined not to join in.

'The playing field is a space for families and organised events.'

He said the parish council was also looking into the option of switching the lights off on the path where the vandals often congregate and a bench in front of the pavilion, which the vandals climbed on, has been removed.

The village has been recognised nationally for its community spirit and was the first recipient of the Big Society Award.

There is an Olympic legacy committee and a local sports association.

New clubs in Hethersett include a thriving croquet club and a 120-strong cycling group.

Planning permission was recently granted to build an extension to the pavilion which would include a kitchen, function room, changing rooms and showers.

Mr Steward added: 'The general feeling is that the better our facilities, the less chance of vandalism. When the new pavilion is built, it will be used more often.

'We are working with the police to eradicate the problem. I would urge groups to call the police if they witness any vandalism.'

He also thanked district councillor David Bills for his help.

Anyone who witnesses vandalism on the field should call police on 101