Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Disgust at playpark firebugs
One culprit was only 12
A boy aged just 12 was among a gang of vandals who caused thousands of pounds of damage to a popular Airdrie playpark by setting fire to some swings.
Police confirmed the youngster, and another aged 14, were among heartless yobs who wreaked havoc at the recently opened Glen facility last week, with the swings rendered beyond repair and an area of cushioned rubber surfacing beneath them badly charred.
This is the first time the £144,000 park has been vandalised since it opened last
July and the Whinhall Action Group, who were instrumental in the development of the Wilson Street community attraction, have slammed the callous culprits.
Chairperson Joanne Boyle told the Advertiser: “The swings were completely destroyed and the ground around them burnt out.
“We were shocked, but at the same time half expecting it as frustratingly most new parks in Airdrie seem to get damaged in their first year.
“It’s very frustrating as this is a relatively new playpark and it has been used a lot by mums and families – and used in the right way.
“The children are the ones who are going to miss out because of this small percentage of bad people wanting to ruin things for them.
“It’s very sad to hear that one of the perpetrators seems to have been a 12-year-old boy; it makes even less sense that someone so young could get involved in this vandalism.
“One good thing to come out of it has been the response of the local community who have come together to support our committee.
“They have been very vocal on social media, with people saying they are disgusted and unhappy about what has happened, and have taken a real ownership of their playpark.”
The hard work put in by Whinhall Action Group in the formation of the playpark was boosted by a £ 50,000 grant from waste recycling environmental fund WREN, plus cash from North Lanarkshire Council’s and support from its play services and community learning and development departments.
Airdrie Central councillors Jim Logue and David Stocks were on hand for the facility’s unveiling last summer and both were saddened to hear of the fire damage.
Council leader Mr Logue said: “I am absolutely disgusted by this mindless act of vandalism.
“Every time I pass the park, I see children using it and their enjoyment will now be hindered.
“The park came about because of the dedicated work of local residents and Whinhall Action Group and acts of vandalism like this can undermine the confidence of local people in putting something back into their community.
“I will try to source funding to help with the damages but in these times of financial austerity, it is hard to account for vandalism.
“The playpark plays an important part in a lot of people’s lives and we will do all we can to make sure this continues.”
Councillor Stocks added: “This is very sad, disgraceful news. So many people have put a lot of hard work in over the last few years to improve Whinhall and it’s such a shame they have to suffer.
“The children really enjoy playing in the park and it’s a really well-used facility; I have been in there with my own grandchildren. It is the young kids who are paying the price and the vandals are wasting things for them; it’s horrific.”
Inspector Steven Miller of Airdrie police said: “Following police enquiries and excellent support and involvement from the Whinhall community, two males aged 12 and 14 have been identified as being among the perpetrators.
“Police enquiries are ongoing by local officers to identify and hold to account a number of other youths involved. Local officers are extremely grateful for the assistance given by the local community.
“This is the first instance of any kind of vandalism at this playpark since it was opened last year and it is extremely disappointing for the local children that this excellent community facility was targeted.”
Anyone with information relating to the playpark fire, or those responsible, can contact Airdrie police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.