A NEW playground in Alcester which had recently undergone a revamp has been torched by youths, causing about £1,000 worth of damage.
The swing set and play surfacing on Moorfields Park was vandalised on Monday (May 23) – after having a 12,500 upgrade just two months ago.
The nest swing, which was part of a £7,000 package of equipment, has been set alight and the rope which covers the steel wires has been damaged and will need replacing.
Residents have also complained about sections of the soft play surfacing which has been ripped up and believe other fires have been set including inside the public bins.
It took Alcester Town Council a year to organise and pay for the new playground which consists of new swing, play equipment and a skate park, to ensure youngsters have a safe place to play outside.
A spokeswoman for Alcester Town Council said: “Arson attacks, no matter how small they start out are incredibly dangerous and the Town Council are dismayed that anyone would consider it an appropriate action, especially in an area specifically for the younger members of our community to feel safe in whilst having fun. Senseless vandalism endangers your children’s safety and costs thousands in repairs.”
Jim Kenyon ,chair of the Facilities Committee, added: ” It is very disheartening to see these acts of vandalism which spoil these areas for all.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on the non emergency 101 number.
