Delight as bird hide is revealed; VANDALS: Viewing area repaired after attack.

Byline: Tina Junday

FAMILIES have welcomed the return of Coombe Abbey's bird hide after it was destroyed by vandals this summer.

The hide, which is used for people to view birds on the nearby heronry island of the park, was closed for up to six weeks while repairs were made.

It cost pounds 5,000 to replace smashed windows, the roof which was ripped off, bird tables and other feeding areas in June.

Bosses at the park have spent an astonishing pounds 300,000 this year to repair damage caused by mindless vandals.

Park manager Joe Taylor said: "We've had vandals attack the park from the spring time up to June. It's disappointing.

We've taken one step forward but financially had to take two steps back. We'd rather have spent the money on developing the park and restructure. But this won't stop us from enjoying what we have."

The hide was open to the public yesterday to teach children about feeding birds and what they like to eat.

Among hundreds of people who visit the hide each year was Joan Garner, 55, of Allesley, who was delighted it was open again.

She came with her four grandchildren and nephew who helped make seed cakes for the birds.

"It's brilliant that it's come back to life. It was horrendous in the summer, it was completely destroyed - such a shame. The last time I came was in the summer."

They were joined by nine volunteers and four members of staff who helped clear up some of the mess since the incident.

Visitor services manager Sam Dowdall, said: "We had a lot of regular people who used to come in but hopefully they'll be coming back soon now that things are back to normal."

The hide will officially open on Monday November 2.

CAPTION(S):

LOOKOUTS ... Youngsters from left: Jack Powell, aged ten, Tony Sears 12, Christopher O'Rourke, 5 and Toby Powell 7, in the new hide. Picture: JOE BAILEY