Play park damaged after bins set alight

Around £20,000 of damage has been caused to play equipment at a Black Country park after it was targeted by arsonists.

The equipment, used by children under five at Brunswick Park in Wednesbury, will have to be ripped out.

Vandals set fire to wheelie bins and left them to burn under a climbing bridge and trees. It is the latest in a spate of arson attacks at the park in recent weeks. Mark Kevan, grounds maintenance supervisor a Sandwell Council, said around 16 wheelie bins have been stolen from nearby homes recently.

They have then been set alight in the park on Brunswick Park Road and the latest attack happened on Monday night.

Mr Kevan, said: "It looks like a bit of a war zone. They have been pinching the recycling bins and setting fire to them under trees and play equipment.

"At present we've had about 16 burnt out and it has been going on for the last fortnight. On Monday they set fire to one under the a multi-games facility for the under fives, there's a climbing bridge and aluminium frames, some of it is plastic and has melted.

"Three bins were set on fire and left under the play equipment. We think the damage is around £18,000 to £20,000."

Mr Kevan added it was not sure when the equipment would be replaced and it was hoped insurance would cover the cost of the work. He also called for nearby residents to keep their bins more secure.

Wednesbury North Councillor Elaine Costigan, has now called for security cameras to be installed at the site.

She said: "I think we need some security cameras. This is just the latest attack and it really isn't fair on all of the people using the park and it is costing thousands of pounds to replace equipment."

In October a skate park within the park was closed after vandals caused £5,000 worth of damage in an overnight rampage.

The wreckers ripped up safety barriers, smashed bins and daubed graffiti on walls at the £150,000 facility.

And in January new fencing worth £100,000 is set be installed around the park and adjoining Wood Green Cemetery after decades of campaigning by residents.