Yobbos set play area on fire
Yobs have tried to destroy a Wigan playground - a climbing jungle and its surrounds on Landgate estate in Bryn was seriously damaged in an arson attack at the weekend.
Leisure bosses today paid tribute to the actions of a public-spirited neighbour who repeatedly rushed to the scene with buckets of water from his kitchen after spotting flames in the park.
At least one teenager was seen running away.
Police are now examining fresh spray paint graffiti bearing the name "Liam" to see if it is connected with the attack on the play equipment, which is less than two years old.
Bryn Independent councillor Gary Wilkes is calling on families to "give up" the names of those responsible to the police so that a line can finally be drawn under such mindless behaviour.
It is believed that the fire was started in a rope swing before it spread to the plastic and rubber covered climbing centre.
Coun Wilkes said: "I'm really disappointed for the residents more than anything. They have worked so hard to turn things around and the vast majority of them are great people with great kids and I know how much it upsets them that things like this keep happening.
"I know this is a poor area but that really is no excuse for such irresponsible behaviour.
Click next page for more ..."When you start setting fires, you start putting people at risk, never mind the cost of replacing the items that are destroyed, and I just can't understand the mentality of these people.
"I know that the residents are getting increasingly angry about this and there was at least one who rushed out his his house with buckets of water to try to put the fire out with the firemen on the way."
A spokesman for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust said that the recreation area was currently closed while staff access the level of damage.
This includes a scorched section of the all-weather rubber surface and rope swing and fire damage to metal supports in the climbing frame.
He said: "The area has been closed but we are hoping to get the soot cleaned off and the park re-opened on Tuesday.
"A new rope will be ordered and the painting carried out at the next available opportunity.
"We'd like to take the opportunity to thank the resident who spotted and extinguished the fire.
"Without their quick actions, the damage could have been a lot worse."
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
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