Bench set on fire as vandals target Westbourne again

A picnic bench at Monk’s Hill recreation ground in Westbourne was deliberately set on fire and destroyed by vandals on Sunday.

According to the parish council this is the third picnic bench in the village’s park to be lost, after another was set on fire and one stolen.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and the fire was quickly put out.

Westbourne Parish Council is now looking to replace the bench.

Cllr Nigel Ricketts, Westbourne Parish Council’s chairman of the recreation and amenities committee, said: “The parish council were proud to invest in the environmentally friendly picnic benches as they are made out of recycled milk bottles, are cost effective and allow wheel chairs and push chairs to sit under the extended tops, enabling everyone to be equally involved.

“We are really disappointed that another bench in our village has been destroyed, spoiling the pleasure of people who use the parks.

“We hope to replace the picnic bench but we are looking at other solutions, such as concrete tables, that cannot be damaged in such a way.”

The parish council also manages and maintains Mill Road recreation area in Westbourne.

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