Thornes Park arson: Further images show 'serious' damage to popular Wakefield play area
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Last week, Wakefield Council launched an appeal urging the local community to help police find the arsonists who caused £80,000 worth of damage to the popular play area.
The incident, which took place on Wednesday, April 3, forced part of the newly refurbished play area to close.
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Hide AdThe council has only recently re-opened the play area in Thornes Park after a £400,000 refurbishment with brand-new equipment at the end of 2022.
Gary Blenkinsop, Wakefield Council’s Service Director for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change, said: “We know how much local families have enjoyed the new play area and expect that they will be as outraged as we are. As a result of this damage, parts of it will remain closed until we can get it repaired.
“The police are treating this as arson, which is a serious criminal offence. And we will be looking to recoup costs from whoever is responsible. We can’t stand by and let a minority ruin things for our communities. And I don’t think local people want that either.
“If you know who has done this, report it to the police or council.”
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Hide AdFollowing the incident, council officers will be regularly patrolling the park on an evening, along with a mobile CCTV van, to try and deter any further anti-social behaviour taking place.
Anyone who has any information about the arson attack or anti-social behaviour in the park is encouraged to contact the Police online via Live Chat or calling 101, quoting crime reference 13240179750.