A children’s play area in Stanley has been destroyed in a fire, with Durham Constabulary investigating and fundraising beginning. The play equipment in South Moor Memorial Park was irreparably damaged when a blaze started at around 9pm on Saturday.
Photographs of the damage caused show a metal slide and climbing equipment that has been destroyed, with the protective rubber flooring around it having melted. Carole Hampson is the Mayor of Stanley, as well as a member of Stanley Town Council, and the money which was used to build the play area at the start of this year was from her council budget.
She said: “I’m sure you can understand how I’m feeling, you try to do something good and this is how you are repaid. This equipment was only installed at the start of the year and now this has happened, so I think if anyone knows anything about who did this, you must go to the police.
“It’s so deflating, as I have more funding allocated to the park but I worry about what might happen to other improvements that are made. Then, at the same time, I think ‘ why should other members of the community miss out because of a few individuals?’
“I was very upset, and so were the residents, they were saying that they see us town councillors trying so hard and it is unfair that this is what we get for doing so. It is going to take quite a bit of funding, but we are not going to be defeated by this, we will try our best to fundraise and continue on.”
A kids play area in South Moor Memorial Park, Stanley, which was destroyed in a fire
(Image: Durham Constabulary)
Durham Constabulary posted the following statement on social media: “Police are keen to speak with anyone in the vicinity of South Moor Memorial Park at around 9pm on Saturday 28th December 2024. Around this time the children’s play area was set alight and extensive damage has been caused, leaving it entirely unusable by children in our community.
“This is a mindless crime and one which has caused a great deal of upset and understandable furore with local residents. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the person/s responsible.
“Did you notice anyone suspicious in the area? Did you notice a friend/family member who returned home smelling or smoke/accelerant? If you have any information which would assist the investigation please do get in touch with PC 2800 COMBE quoting reference number CRI00589471.”
To donate to help Stanley Town Council replace the destroyed play area, visit the GoFundMe page here.
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