OLYMPIAN Colin Jackson is condemning vandals who caused £20,000 worth of damage to athletics equipment at Newport Stadium.

The damage is the result a suspected arson attack over the weekend.

On Saturday Richie Jenkins, secretary of Newport Harriers, arrived at the stadium to find the £12,000 pole-vaulting crash mat had been torched.

Mr Jenkins said the cost of replacing the mat with a vandal-proof all-weather cover and a new bed could cost up to £30,000.

Yesterday, world record holder Jackson, the 110 metre hurdler who retired from competition last year, said the items damaged in the fire were to be used for safety and protection by the athletes.

He said: "We need to get people to appreciate these facilities. We need the youth to realise that what they are getting is exceptional and not to be taken for granted.

"Once we get the message across that these facilities are to be used, not abused, then that is what it is all about."

Mr Jenkins said the incident over the weekend was the culmination of a rise in vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the sports complex.

He said: "I have seen youngsters standing on the perimeter wall and throwing stones at the athletes while they train."

And he fears vandalism could affect some of the high profile athletics events planned over the summer.

He said: "It is great that the council has spent so much money on all the facilities over here, but it is no use having all these excellent facilities if we cannot look after them.

"At the moment they are a magnet for children who are not interested in doing anything but causing trouble."

Gwent Police are continuing their enquiries into the blaze.