West Country children’s playground torched in arson attack

A brand new children’s playground being installed in a Bath park by a housing association has been torched in an arson attack.

The play area, which included swings and toddler equipment, was intended to give a new lease of life to Rosewarn Park in the Whiteway area of the city. Housing association Curo was given a £40k grant to buy and install the new playground — but at the weekend it was set on fire.

A spokesperson from Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 11:41pm on Saturday 22 June to reports of a fire at a play area in Rosewarn Park, Bath. Crews from Bath attended and found a fire involving play equipment.

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“Firefighters extinguished the blaze. The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate.”

A neighbour told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “This isn't the first time there's been a fire in that park. I'm worried that they might start setting houses on fire next, which could lead to a tragedy.”

Speaking just a month ago as the play equipment was being installed, Carl McMurtry the director of estates at the housing association, had said: “We’re excited to be able to deliver this project for the community. When putting the plans together, we listened to the views of young people, community groups and councillors, and we hope that the new play equipment will be used and enjoyed by families from around the local area.”

Curo was approached for a comment on the fire.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “An arson offence has been recorded after play equipment in Rosewarn Close was damaged in a fire.

“If you witnessed this incident or have any information or footage which could help our enquiries, please call 101 and quote reference 5224164924.”