Arsonists torch city Allesley Park children’s play equipment

[dutchman]

Calls have been made for extra security at a Coventry park after it was attacked by arsonists a third time in 12 months.



Fire crews were called to the children’s play area in Allesley Park at 8pm on Tuesday after two wheelie bins were torched close to the play equipment.

The fire caused damage to the slide, grass and woodwork in the playground. It is the third time the area has been attacked by vandals in the past 12 months after two other fires were lit at the site last spring.

Coun Bally Singh branded those responsible as ‘mindless’ and renewed calls for improved security at the site.

He said: “I’m shocked to hear of the damage caused by mindless vandals. The park is a lovely park, not just used by the people in Allesley, but a lot of people in the West of the city.

“The fact it has been damaged means a lot of residents are rightly concerned about trouble in the area.

“It’s also happened before, so I urge the council to actively consider CCTV and respond positively to the local petition calling for the play area facilities to be improved.

“We were promised CCTV when it last happened so I want the council to revisit that request and look at it positively.

“It doesn’t have to be full time CCTV, it could just be a temporary measure during the summer months.”

Coun Singh had previously set up a petition calling for greater care of the facilities in Allesley Park and that is set to receive a response from the council next month.

The last attack caused an estimated £6,000 of damage but it is not yet known what the cost of the latest fire will be or when the playground will be open for use again.

Coun Singh will be holding a forum on Thursday with local residents to discuss any concerns at 7pm in the Allesley Park Community Centre.

[dutchman]

CCTV for Allesley Park after third arson attack

Temporary CCTV is going to be installed at a children's playground in a Coventry park after it was attacked by arsonists for a third time in a year.

The fire service said play equipment, wooden fences and grass were damaged at Allesley Park on Tuesday.

The blaze was started by vandals setting fire to two wheelie bins next to the playground, it said.

Police are installing a mobile CCTV camera, which they hope will prevent further vandalism.

Chair of Coventry's Police and Crime Board Phil Townshend said: "The damage to the park was considerable and will have a real impact on the many Coventry families who enjoy visiting the park.

"I want to send a strong message out to the tiny minority of mindless vandals who spoiled a play area loved by so many people that we will not tolerate this kind of criminal activity."

Warwickshire Police said it was still investigating the fire.

[dutchman]

Two teenagers arrested over Allesley Park playground arson



Two teenagers have been arrested after children’s play equipment was burnt down in a much-loved Coventry park.

The youngsters, aged 17 and 15, have been released on bail until mid April after the children’s play area in Allesley Park was deliberately set alight last week.

Council officials estimated the cost of the damage to the slide, artificial grass and woodwork in the playground at between £10,000 and £20,000.

West Midlands Police have now worked with Coventry City Council bosses to install CCTV next to the park.

Coun Bally Singh had previously set up a petition calling for greater care of the facilities in Allesley Park and that is set to receive a response from the council next month.

[dutchman]

Teenagers face court after play area set alight in Allesley



Three teenagers have been charged with arson after an Allesley play area was torched earlier this year.

The 15-year-old and two 17-year-olds, all from the Coventry area, will appear at Coventry Youth Court on July 10.

Part of the play area, in Allesley Park, has been out of action since the blaze in March.

Coun Bally Singh said: “I’m pleased to report that the tower-slide is on track to be replaced in mid July, with a slide that has an arson proof metal base.”

Around £20,000 of damage was caused in the blaze.