AN ‘APPALLING’ spate of “mindless vandalism” in Innerleithen has been condemned.

A broken bottle was left shard upwards in an area where children play, while there was an attempt to set a toilet cubicle on fire, according to reports from residents.

In social media posts on Sunday, members of the public voiced their concerns about the broken glass in a grassed zone at James Hogg Court, an Eildon Housing property.

Tweeddale East councillor Marshall Douglas said: “The placing of an upright broken bottle in the ground is beyond comprehension and could have caused a very serious injury to anyone coming across it.”

He added: “I am extremely concerned at the recent spate of mindless vandalism in Innerleithen especially the recent events at the public toilets in Hall Street and the James Hogg Court incident.

“Events such as this are far from victimless and can cause great hazards to members of the public either directly or indirectly.”

A person posting as ‘anonymous’ on Facebook said: “It was tenants of James Hogg Court who spent their own money repairing and painting the benches, adding the bamboo screen and a gate for all to enjoy safety and it has all been vandalised.

“I can’t understand what the vandals have gained from it all, ruining an area used by young children.”

Tweeddale East councillor Julie Pirone, who is chair of Scottish Borders Council’s Police, Fire and Safer Communities Board, warned that there would be “consequences”.

She said: “I am appalled at this behaviour. It needs to stop.

“I am asking those involved to think about what they are doing to their own community.

“The toilets again require money spent on them so local people and visitors can use them.

“I would ask parents to know where their children are and remind them that someone could get hurt.

“If anyone has any information, no matter how small, please contact the police and report it, or come via me and I will pass information on.”

Mr Douglas added: “The vandalism at the toilets, caused by setting alight to paper in a cubicle, is of great concern when the community are anxious to improve the local infrastructure.

“Anyone with any knowledge of these incidents should report the matter to the police by calling 101.

“I will certainly raise the issue with the police community action team (CAT).”

A spokesperson from Eildon Housing said: “We take signs of vandalism very seriously.

“We haven’t had any reports from James Hogg Court but have carried out a detailed inspection of the area and it is clear.

“We’ll continue to monitor this, but if any of our residents see anything in the future, we’d ask them to report it to us.”

Police Scotland were approached for comment.