“Mindless” idiots have been condemned after children’s play equipment was engulfed in flames in a suspected arson attack - for the second time in two years.
Firebugs are believed to have struck at the Town Park miniature railway play area on Stockham Lane in Runcorn shortly before 7.52pm on Wednesday evening. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed one appliance from Runcorn to the scene, and the crew extinguished the inferno.
A CFRS spokesperson said wheelie bins were used to ignite the conflagration, which reduced a children’s play train to ash. The incident happened only 20 months on since the play train - which the equipment had replaced at a cost of £60,000 - was also torched by arsonists.
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Mike Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, where the park is situated, blasted the culprits as “mindless idiots”.
Writing online, he said: “Mindless idiots decided to set fire to play equipment in Runcorn's Town Park last night.
“Families are strapped for cash, children need free activities to do. Somebody will know those who did this.
“Call Cheshire Police with the information on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Residents have also condemned the vandalism.
One mother, writing on social media, said: “I wish these idiots would just leave something nice for the little ones to enjoy.”
One woman branded the act “absolutely disgusting”, while one resident said their wheelie bin had been stolen, presumably for the fire as they slated the arsonists.
Another resident said: “Why do ppl have to ruin things for the little ones??? Makes my blood boil!
“They'll soon take away these parks leaving nowhere for the kiddies to play.”
The park was shut for clear-up work when the ECHO visited the area the morning after the fire.
Damaged play equipment might not be replaced due to the cost and risk of arson.
Paul Boardman, Halton Borough Council parks manager, told the ECHO: “It is very disappointing that this popular play area has been damaged once again.
“There was a similar incident on this particular piece of play equipment in December 2020 and the items had recently been replaced at a cost of £60,000 - part of which was crowd funded by members of the community who were saddened at that act of vandalism.
“One of Halton’s parks teams have today removed the equipment out of safety concerns, and we will need to consider if the item will be replaced again following this latest incident.
“We believe last night’s fire may have also been started deliberately and urge anyone with any information to contact Cheshire Police on 101.”
Witnesses are urged to call Cheshire Police.
A force spokeswoman said: “Officers were called just before 8pm on Wednesday, August 24, following reports of a fire in the Stockham Lane area of Runcorn.
“It is believed that this fire had been started deliberately.
“Enquiries are ongoing in relation to the incident.
“Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police via cheshire.police.uk quoting IML 1350496 or call 101.”
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