Vandals have torched a children’s playground in Oldham that had been closed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The play area at Constantine Street in Lees, Lees Brook has suffered 'substantial fire damage', with its climbing frames warped and blackened by the blaze.
Bosses say that due to repeated arson attacks at the site it is now uncertain if it will be replaced once the restrictions around Covid-19 are lifted.
The play equipment was originally installed in 2011 and since then has been subject to seven different arson attacks.
Cabinet member for neighbourhood services, Coun Ateeque Ur Rehman, said: “While the vast majority of our residents are staying at home, keeping safe and protecting the NHS someone has decided to break the lockdown and torch a children’s play area.
“It defies belief that someone would do this and leave our staff to clear it up – they are already working hard in difficult circumstances.
“Sadly, this isn’t the first time this park has been targeted by vandals and we’ll have to take a serious look at things in the future.
"Replacing play equipment isn’t cheap, especially at a time when money is needed elsewhere to support some of our most vulnerable residents.
“Although the play area is closed, as are facilities in all our parks, the vandals could have ruined things for local families who have used the play area for years.”
The damage from the latest attack was discovered on Wednesday, April 22.
A bench had also been set on fire and destroyed.
Anyone who has any information about the latest attack is asked to call the police on 101 or contact the council’s environment team on 0161 770 4067.
