ARSONISTS have torched a children’s play area in Ellesmere Port.
In recent weeks vandals have torn the wooden boat-themed structure apart in places, leaving dangerous planks of wood and metal sticking out of the ground.
On Sunday the park played host to a free barbecue organised by Westminster Food Action Group, a local group trying to bring the community together.
But one of its organisers, former councillor Kenny Spain, said youths risk ruining their good work.
He a said: “The barbecue was fantastic. It was sunny and bright all day and I reckon there were 300 people there.
“It was really heart-warming to see so many people using the park.
“There were all those people enjoying the park and there’s another crowd wrecking the park.
“They’ve set fire to the seats and the bowels of the ship.
“They’re breaking it up and sticking wood in a hole where the fire was.
“I did report it several weeks ago. They said they would go in and take the wood. There is wood sticking up and metal sticking out.
“There is a metal crate with screws in it, they can be sharp. I think it’s deplorable.
“It’s for the children of Westminster and it could be someone on Westminster doing it.”
Cheshire West and Chester Council spokeswoman Laura Johnson said: “The play area is checked on a monthly basis by one of our ground inspectors.
“Following this an inspector has been to the site and we will see what we can do to repair the damage at Westminster Park as soon as possible.
“Because we don’t have a limitless budget for repairs, in most cases we can only make things safe if they are dangerous.”
