Arsonist strikes in Droitwich

(Bench before arson attack)		(Bench after arson attack)

Last night the play area in Mayflower, Droitwich was badly damaged. Rubber safety tiles were ripped up and set fire to along with the litter bin.

Wychavon District Council has been forced to close the whole site and it will stay shut for the foreseeable future, as the council doesn’t have the spare budget to carry out the repairs. This is the second time this year that this play area has been badly vandalised by fire, as back in April there was more damage. The play area is close to a house so it is likely that this crime was witnessed which is why the council is appealing for help.

Dave Hemming, Community Safety Manager said “This is very sad to see and we will be working with the police to tackle these issues in Droitwich. We’d appeal to anyone who does know anything to come forward and report it to the police.”

Vines Park in Droitwich was also subjected to an arson attack last week when a picnic table was burned to the ground. The fire brigade were called out in the early hours to put out the flames. Also last week an attempt was made to set fire to an old chair and a pile of trays which the vandals had placed inside the bandstand at Lido Park. Wychavon is also appealing for information on these attacks as well.  

Lynn Stevens, Parks Officer said “This is not the first time we’ve had equipment damaged but it is always a great shame for the area and we just don’t have the budget to continue repairing damaged equipment. By coming forward with information you’ll not only be helping catch a criminal, but also protecting public money.”