Arsonists destroy playground
CALLOUS vandals gutted a children’s playground in Runcorn causing £6,000 of damage plus £1,000 in clean-up costs.
Firefighters were called to the blaze at Palacefields Park near Runcorn Ambulance Station near The Glen shortly before 3am on Thursday, July 11.
Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service said the equipment - an ‘ant hill climber’ – was ‘well alight’ on arrival.
Crews doused the flames with a hose and were on the scene for around 90 minutes.
Arsonists are believed to be to blame.
Council workers took several hours to clear the charred debris, remove the steelwork and make the park safe.
Stuart Devereux, Runcorn fire station manager, said: “This was a senseless act of arson which has left a playground equipment completely destroyed and spoilt a popular play area for local children on the eve of the summer holidays.
“Such fires put the safety of residents and firefighters at risk and tie up resources unnecessarily, meaning that it will take longer for fire crews to respond to emergencies, such as house fires.
“The fire occurred in an open space in the early hours of the morning whilst residents slept nearby.
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“Thankfully we weren’t called to another incident in the town whilst we were busy putting this fire out.
“I would like to say to those who deliberately start fires that it could be your family or friends that we are delayed in getting to and trying to save because we have to put out a fire that is completely avoidable.”
Palacefields Park is owned by Halton Borough Council.
The ant-hill climber cost around £6,000 and the clean-up operation following the fire cost approximately £1,000.
Replacing the ant-hill climber would cost a similar amount.
All cash comes from the public purse.
Cllr Ron Hignett (physical environment), said: “It’s not just the cost of the vandalism and making the area safe – the damage caused means that children can no longer use the equipment.
“These kind of mindless actions help nobody.”
Residents are reported to be furious. ●
Station manager Devereux added: “We work very closely with the police in Runcorn and other partner agencies to tackle deliberate fires and this will continue, but we also need residents to help where they can by coming forward with any information they have about those responsible for such fires.”
A police investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information about the fire should call Cheshire police on 101, quoting IML 452595 or alternatively provide details online at www.cheshire.police. uk