AN operation to reduce the number of arson attacks in Radley Common starts today, Monday.

Around 120 fires have been started deliberately in the area since 2015.

Almost 50 households have had their wheelie bins destroyed by arsonists and a children’s playground and a park have also suffered fire damage.

The number of deliberate fires in the area has reduced year-on-year since firefighters dealt with 36 incidents in 2015.

But with Radley Common remaining a hotspot for arson incidents – there have been more than 20 deliberate fires in the area this year.

Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have joined forces to tackle the problem.

Their joint operation will see them work in collaboration with Warrington Borough Council and schools and residents’ associations.

Sgt Ruth Atherton said: “Radley Common is a large open space with a grassed area, a children’s playground and a community centre.

"It is the heart of the neighbourhood.

“Unfortunately the area has been blighted by sporadic anti-social behaviour in recent years.

“It tends to occur in the evenings under the cover of darkness and we believe that youths are responsible for the diminishing but still significant number of deliberate fires problem in the area.

“The vast majority of the fires involve wheelie bins that are taken from outside homes and waste that has been fly-tipped or left out by residents.

“We will arrest anyone we have evidence of starting such fires and will be stepping up patrols in the area as part of our joint Operation Scattered with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.”

Warrington Fire Station manager Neil Winstanley said: “Small fires that are started deliberately also tie up resources, meaning that it will take longer for fire crews to respond to actual emergencies, such as house fires.

“They also tie up police resources in terms of investigating arson incidents and trying to bring offenders to account for their actions.

“Then there is the cost of replacing things like wheelie bins and playground and park equipment damaged by arsonists, which is ultimately paid for by taxpayers.

“As part of Operation Scattered we will be visiting schools to speak directly to young people about fire safety.

“Residents, including those who have had wheelie bins stolen and set alight, will also be visited at their homes and advised about how to keep their bins safe from potential arsonists.”