Play park equipment badly damaged in alleged arson attack

Wickersley Park was hit last week by reported arsonists

A CHILDREN’s play park has been badly damaged by a suspected arson attack described as “incredibly disappointing” by local councillor.

The play frame at Wickersley Park was set alight overnight on Wednesday (December 14) using petrol, while a nearby bench was also targeted.

The park, on Second Lane, has had renovation work undertaken since 2020 with new play equipment and there are plans for improvements to paths and walkways which Wickersley Parish Council said would “unlock the potential for this wonderful open space”.

Rotherham Council leader and Wickersley councillor Cllr Chris Read, said he was let down by the damage to the park.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see this damage to children’s play equipment in the park, which makes you wonder why anyone would do something like that,” he said.

“Sadly this isn’t the first time we’ve seen equipment in the park damaged.

“As the local ward councillors ,we have been working with the local police to try to address concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

“We have used our ward budget to fund proper youth work activities for young people to give them somewhere to go and something to do.

“I would urge anyone with information about this latest damage to report it to the police using their website or their 101 number.”

Police were contacted for comment but said they had not received a report of the damage.