Arsonists destroy playground (From Warrington Guardian)

Arsonists destroy playground

ARSONISTS have wrecked toddlers' playtime fun after setting fire to Rode Heath's only play area.

Petrol is believed to have been poured on the play equipment off Heath Avenue before being set alight.

The play area consisted of a slide, climbing frame and platforms with a roof, combined into a single piece of equipment.

The equipment was made of steel and covered in hardened plastic, from which the roof was also made.

The equipment was destroyed such was the heat from the fire, melting the plastic and buckling the steel in the process.

All that was left was the metal frame, which was unsafe and was removed two days after the fire by Congleton Borough Council.

The cost of replacing the equipment is estimated at £16,000, and the new play area is unlikely to be installed for two to three months.

Congleton Fire Brigade tackled the fire, and the police are investigating the incident.

Council officer Rob McGarry described the fire as a "wanton arson attack," which had left the equipment damaged beyond repair.

"It is really disheartening for Streetscape staff to find play areas created for small children targeted in this way," he said.

Principal Streetscape officer Gareth Edwards said part of the structure had been weakened by the fire, and the melting plastic had wrecked the safety surfacing.

The play area is surrounded by housing, and Mr Edwards asked anyone who saw the arson attack or has any information about the incident to contact the police.