SECURITY is to be stepped up following a series of fires at a recreation ground.

Firefighters were called out three times over one weekend to the recreation ground in Whitehall Lane, Slade Green after children set alight to grass.

Bexley Council says an inspection of the area has revealed a number of areas where the grass has been burnt.

A spokeswoman said the park warden for the area had been asked to keep an eye on the open space and it has also been added to the list of places to be checked regularly by the council’s out-of-hours security contractors.

She said anyone who witnessed children starting a fire should call 999.

If they have concerns about anti-social behaviour on the recreation ground or any other of the council’s parks or open spaces they should call the council or, if calling out of hours, should speak to the duty officer and ask for the council's ward security to