A councillor is calling for action against vandals who have damaged life-saving equipment.

The culprits have been ripping down lifebelts from the walls and tying the rope around trees to use as swings in Vale Park.

Head lifeguard Tony Jones said that no sooner are the lifebelts replaced than they are demolished again by reckless thugs.

New Brighton Cllr Pat Hackett appealed to the public to be vigilant and restore the prom to safety for residents and visitors.

In January, the Globe reported how a cyclist was sent crashing down over his handlebars after vandals set up a booby trap and tied lifebelt rope to promenade railings.

But despite warnings that the abuse of lifebelts is dangerous and illegal - the irresponsible act continues.

Tony Jones said: "This type of mindless vandalism is totally unacceptable.

"Lifesaving equipment is there for a specific purpose - heaven forbid it may not be available for its intended use in a real emergency.

"We would urge any member of the public who witnesses any such vandalism to contact the police in the first instance."

And Cllr Pat Hackett said: "Despite many warnings through the Globe, it's sad to see that these yobs are prepared to put other people's lives at risk during the summer months.

"When this equipment is vandalised, lifeguards have to go further along the prom to get a substitute when people's lives are in danger in the Mersey, which has the second fastest flowing current in the UK. With the £1m Pride in our Promenades initiative due to start very shortly, it worries me that all the time and effort that has gone into this scheme could be lost if we have vandals continually ripping up every thing in sight."