Bristol saw its fifth play park fire in recent weeks this afternoon.
A picnic bench in Meadow Vale Park, Speedwell, was completely destroyed before firefighters arrived at around 2pm today (May 22). Police have now taped the bench off.
This came after another bench in the park caught light at about 5.30pm on Monday.
Two fires took place last month in the play area of Mangotsfield's Springfield Park – causing £30,000 worth of damage – as well as one in the play train at Bromley Heath Playing Fields.
A mum who lives near Meadow Vale Park said: “It’s so disrespectful. I am really worried it will be my fence next.
“When the park was put in a couple of years ago, I worried it wouldn’t be long before vandalism started.”
The woman, who did not wish to be named, added that she has children aged 11, 10 and four who enjoy playing in the park.
Her husband used a hose to put out the fire on Monday, which left a fish-shaped bench blackened.
The mum says antisocial behaviour has plagued the Meadow Vale play area on recent warm evenings.
“There are kids shouting and playing loud music,” she added.
“I have had aerosols thrown into my garden and eggs thrown against my wall.”
Police neighbourhood beat manager Clare Heard said in December that “small groups of youths on mopeds and cross-bikes” have plagued the park.
She reported that the vehicles were being driven in an antisocial manner, describing “noisy bikes, verbal abuse and dangerous riding”.
An Avon Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said today's fire was extinguished in around 20 minutes by a crew from Kingswood.
Bristol City Council, which manages Meadow Vale Park, and Avon and Somerset Constabulary have been approached for more details.
