Work starts to replace popular play equipment following arson attack

Work starts next week to replace the fire damaged play equipment in Queen’s Park. 

Contractors will be installing an exciting new multi-play unit for toddlers. 

While contractors are working on site, the toddler area of the playground will be fenced off, but the rest of the play area will remain open. The work is expected to take 2-3 weeks to complete. 

The refurbished Queen’s Park play area reopened last year as part of the council’s Playground Renovation programme and was warmly welcomed by local residents, who helped to shape the final design. 

The project was funded with Section 106 developer contributions.

Fire damage 

However, just months later, a large section of the toddler area was destroyed by an overnight fire, causing around £25,000 worth of damage.  

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sport, Recreation and Libraries, said: “It’s great to be replacing this much-loved play equipment in time for the school summer holidays. 

“However, it feels slightly bittersweet as we still struggle to understand why anyone would want to damage a children’s playground. We hope this new replacement equipment will be enjoyed by families for many years to come.”  

The Queen’s Park play area was part of a £3million revamp of our playgrounds in 2023.