Park Play Area Burnt in a Blaze of fire by Vandals

Local residents are sad and sickened with disgust at the scenes tonight and can’t wait to see the culprits caught.

New equipment in a play area for children in Garston Park was destroyed by an act of arson.

The incident occurred in Garston Park, off Codicote Drive, at around 8.40pm on Saturday 23 October.

Charcoaled remains of the wooden pirate ship (photo from councillor)

The 6ft wooden pirate ship was set on fire, causing extensive damage worth thousands of pounds.

The local Borough and County Councillors for Meriden ward are “absolutely devastated” to see the scenes tonight in Garston Park. The Council had worked so hard to make the park an enjoyable and safe place for our children to play. To see it burnt to the ground by vandals is just so sad.

We will work with the emergency services to ensure those responsible are held to account and we will support the council to rebuild and make the park safe as quickly as possible. We will provide contact details to provide information as soon as we have it. From Cllrs Jenny Pattinson, Amanda Grimston, Stephen Cavinder and Peter Hannon.

Herts Fire Service from garston fire station were mobilised to a large play equipment fire in Garston Park. crews used their jet to extinguish 

Garston park had recently won a green flag award, only to have it ruined by vandals.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Craig Butler said: “This senseless behaviour is extremely dangerous and has caused huge upset in the local community. Our enquiries are continuing at this time to identify and trace the people responsible.

“A group of teenagers, wearing dark clothing, were seen running from the area around the time of the incident. I am appealing for anyone who thinks they may have seen this group, or has any other information which may assist the investigation, to please get in touch. If you live in the area and have CCTV, please review any footage and call us if you have captured anything of note.”

crime reference 41/82699/21