A VANDALISED play area is set to receive a funding boost from Christchurch Council.

The council's community services committee has agreed to give Hurn Parish Council a one- off grant of £5,000 for the maintenance of the village's Moors Close play area.

In recent months the play area has suffered from vandalism and maintenance funding the parish council was expecting from Project Christchurch, which initially raised the funds for the playground, was no longer available.

Cllr Josephine Spencer, said: "It's very important to maintain a play area in Moors Close. It is well used by local children and it is unfortunate that Project Christchurch is unable to support the area any longer."

The play area opened two years ago following a four-year fund-raising effort by Project Christchurch. It was officially opened in June 2000 by the wife of the late Roy Dunster, chairman and champion of Project Christchurch.