Dog owners are allowing their animals to use playground equipment to strengthen their jaws.

Stone Parish Council says it will cost residents local taxpayers hundreds to repair.

Staff became aware of the problem during a routine inspection of play facilities at one of its playgrounds at Waterstone Park.

In total, five swing seats and a pendulum base for a zip line have been damaged beyond repair, rendering the playground unusable for children.

The expected bill is understood to be around £700.

Vice-chair of the council, Cllr Stephanie Thredgle said: “This is a worrying situation, not only because of the need to spend tax-payers money on repairing such irresponsible damage but also because of the potential for harm to come to a child by dogs who perceive playground equipment as something to attack.

“This is anti-social behaviour in a play area that is intended as a safe environment for local children to enjoy.

“We would ask that local residents are vigilant to this and report such activity if it is witnessed to prevent further episodes”

The Recreation and Facilities Committee of the council will be discussing the incident at its next meeting on Wednesday, September 25.

The items being replaced could be covered with citronella that aims to deter dogs from biting equipment, providing an unpleasant taste which dogs are known to dislike.

The seat mixture is unpleasant but not harmful to the dogs.

Anyone with details regarding the damage which is likely to have occurred between September 6-8 is asked to contact police on 101 using reference 09/07/92.