The burning of a children’s playground in Bath has been slammed as “selfish and antisocial” by a local councillor.
PTA chair Ed Knolleys and Cllr Alison Born with children by the damaged play equipment | Photo © B&NES Lib Dems
The climbing frame in the playground between Widcombe’s primary schools was set alight in the afternoon of Saturday 25th February.
The fire melted plastic parts of the play equipment and burnt through ropes.
Councillor Alison Born, who represents Widcombe and Lyncombe on Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “It’s really unbelievable that anyone would be so selfish and antisocial as to deprive local children of the chance to play by deliberately setting a fire.
“This serious and senseless crime was witnessed by a local resident, so we hope that the perpetrators will be caught.
“Widcombe play park is adjacent to the Widcombe primary schools and is very well used by local children as well as those who attend the schools but live further afield.
The climbing frame was set alight on Saturday 25th January | Photo © B&NES Lib Dems
“Unfortunately, the council has now had to cordon off the equipment damaged by this thoughtless act of arson.”
Ed Knolleys, who chairs Widcombe Schools PTA said: “This playground is a very important part of the local community, providing safe outside space for children to play and families to meet.
“It’s shocking to see the equipment destroyed like this and upsetting for the children. I hope it can be restored as soon as possible so everyone can get back to enjoying this valuable community space”
The climbing frame had only been in the park for about five years. Ms Born said that she would be looking at what the council could do to restore the equipment.
She said: “I have immediately contacted the Parks department about making the equipment safe and to ask what the Council can do to replace the climbing frame.
“There is only a small budget for play equipment, but I will also investigate all other potential funding avenues and continue talking to local families about what they would like to see on site.”
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “At just before 4pm on Saturday 25 February, we were called by Avon Fire and Rescue Service relating to a fire at a play park in Archway Street, Bath.
“The incident is under investigation and we would ask anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area of the park to contact us on 101, giving the call handler the reference number 5223048991.”
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter
