Firebugs slammed after attack at park
Vandals strike days before egg hunt
The Friends of Stonehouse Park (FOSP) group have hit out after firebugs set a new swing alight.
Emergency services were called to the park late on Thursday night, just days before it was due to host the eagerly-anticipated egg hunt.
The fire comes after complaints from park users and local residents of youths gathering in the park and leaving a mess behind.
FOSP secretary Karen Kelly said: “It’s the last few weekends that have been the problem.
“We are having to utilise our volunteer hours from Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) to do litter picking rather than other things like planting flowers, clearing woodlands, and would much rather be putting the guys to better use.
“We have been aware of the ongoing spate of teenagers using the park in the evenings and weekends.
“We have raised our concern to the police at the community council meetings and hope to work positively with the local schools and high schools to dissuade young people from damaging property in the park.
“As a committee we are working hard to get the local community using the park and we will continue with this in the hope that the future generation of teenagers are less likely to behave in this manner.
“It’s extremely disappointing to have park property damaged and I’m sure upsetting for lots of local children and the village as a whole.”
A spokesman for the fire service confirmed: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to reports of a fire within Stonehouse Park at 10.10pm on Thursday, April 13.
“One appliance was immediately mobilised and firefighters extinguished the flames. The crew left the scene after ensuring the area had been made safe.”
Despite the fire, the FOSP group hosted a successful Easter egg hunt on Sunday, with families gathering to take part in the fun.
Karen added: “The Easter egg hunt was great fun despite the weather. Lots of children turned out to parade their bonnets, roll their eggs and complete a hunt for an egg from the bunny. It was a lovely day.”