Anger at vandalism of Wick play area

The colourful play area, at Chilgrove House, just off of Clun Road, was set ablaze by vandals on Thursday (August 2), a mere two weeks after its completion by community groups in the area.

Police have questioned a pair of seven-year-olds and a nine-year-old in connection with the crime.

Eileen Rogers, of BHeard, one of the community schemes which helped to co-ordinate the installation of the equipment, said: “My big question would be why? What is there to gain from wrecking a play area, built by the community, for the community?

“It’s really disappointing that somebody could have done this. We had only opened the area two weeks before it was wrecked.

“It’s just such a horrible thing to do. The equipment was meant to be for the enjoyment of the parents and toddlers group, who regularly use the community centre.”

The play area was being used over the summer holidays by toddlers, children and parents, during special play days.

PC Dan Bridger, alongside his colleague PCSO Bob Purcell, investigated the incident.

Speaking to the Gazette, PC Bridger said: “It was devastating to see the damage caused by this.

“After making some enquiries with local youths we have spoken to three children we believe started the fire.

“We will be using a form of restorative justice to deal with the matter because they’re all under the age of criminal responsibility.

“Hopefully, this will get them to realise what they did was wrong.”