“It is heartbreaking for the community that the minority are repeatedly spoiling it for the rest.

“Tall fencing, a locked gate, and anti-vandal paint are what we need – and it needs to be done urgently.”

Sandwell councillor Linda Horton said: “We are meeting with the Friends to discuss the situation, and will endeavour to pay for replacement nets.

“It is extremely sad that they have been damaged so soon after the refurbishment.”

Coun Tony Ward, Sandwell’s Conservative group leader whose Charlemont and Grove Vale ward includes the courts, said: “There is a group of idiots out there who are trying to ruin it for everyone.

“The Friends group had worked so hard to try and make the park a nice place.”

Police asked anyone with information on the vandalism to contact them on 0845 113 5000.