A lcoal councillor has been left "aghast" after a member of the public mowed a wildflower meadow to use it as a makeshift football pitch.

Part of Raybrook Wildflower Meadow in Swindon was cut down on Monday and used to create a makeshift football pitch for the sunny bank holiday, Central Swindon North Parish Council said.

The council were also advised a family had used it as an area to have a BBQ and play football. 

The family responsible had left but there was damage to the meadow and waste needed to be removed, which had to be completed by community volunteers.

Kevin Small, chair of the Parish Council said: “I am aghast that someone would take it upon themselves to create a football pitch from a wild meadow, particularly when an abundance of football pitches are just yards away.

“I have asked Parish Officers to investigate further, deal with those responsible and ensure it does not happen again. 

“I wish to express my disappointment on behalf of the volunteers, residents and fellow Councillors who have put in so much work to create this meadow.

“It is a shame that residents won’t be able to enjoy the space this year with the peak flowering season cut so short.”

The wildflower meadow is one of many across the town where grasses are allowed to grow longer in order to increase biodiversity.