FIRST it was drug addicts, drunks and perverts.

Children at one of the most popular playgrounds in Brighton were at risk from paedophiles and discarded syringes.

Now the youngsters are threatened by an altogether different kind of menace.

And while the authorities kept the park open after complaints of needles and deviant behaviour, they decided the new pest needed tougher action.

They swiftly closed the play area at The Level and said it would remain shut until the problem had been removed.

And the object of their attentions? A hairy little caterpillar ranging in size from 1.5 inches to just a quarter of an inch.

The beast is the caterpillar of the Brown Tail Moth, Latin name Euproctis Chrysorrhoea.

They are dark brown and instantly recognisable from the dotted lines running down each side of their bodies and the two red spots in the centre of their backs.

Thousands of the creepy-crawlies, known to generations of children as woolly bears, hatched out on a creeping rose bush overhanging the paddling pool during the warm Bank Holiday weather.

Their tiny hairs can cause a painful rash if touched and if the hairs are breathed in they can cause health problems. The hazards are particularly bad for asthmatics, hay fever sufferers and people with eczema and sensitive skin.

Officials from Brighton and Hove Council were taking no chances.

They immediately closed the gates to the playground and drafted in staff to rip down the rose bush then burn it, destroying the caterpillars.

Officers were due to return to the site today to spray pesticide to ensure the job was finished off.

Dave Parker, of the council's environmental health department, discovered the plague when he went to inspect vandalised play equipment.

He warned parents not to let their children near the site and advised them to read a council leaflet on the subject which is available from the town hall.

Mr Parker said: "There were thousands of caterpillars climbing everywhere I looked. The danger was that they were dropping off on to the pathway where children play.

"As the paddling pool is for children we had to make a very quick decision and had no option but to close the playground.

"The spell of warm weather has caused the caterpillars to hatch out. This is the first time we have had an invasion like this at the playground."

Aspokeswoman defended the council's stance in leaving the park open following reports of perverts and drug addicts but shutting it because of a plague of caterpillars.

She said: "Children on The Level should be supervised by their parents, but in this case parents cannot do anything if their child is allergic to caterpillar hairs which may cause irritation or provoke asthma."

Zoologist Dr Gerald Legg, of the Booth Museum Of Natural History in Dyke Road, Brighton, said it was an annual problem.

Predators

He said: "This is the beginning of the caterpillar season so around this time it is common to see eggs hatching out and the caterpillars start to attack plants.

"The caterpillars feed off a large variety of plants, mainly Rosa plants or fruit trees. They all tend to feed together to protect themselves from predators such as birds.

"The caterpillars have very itchy hairs which can cause severe discomfort if you come into contact with them. You never see a single Brown Tail Moth - they always come as a collective."

If you have already fallen foul of the hairy insects and have developed a rash, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Caterpillars permitting, children should be allowed back into their playground tomorrow. .

CChildren's

area faces

threat of

new menace

BYCATHYCAWS

FFLASHBACK: Recent problems reported by us

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