Over £5000 worth of damage as Grimsby play parks vandalised in mindless arsons

Two playgrounds used by residents in Grimsby have been mindlessly vandalised after four wheelie bins were set on fire.

An area at Barretts Rec, on Scartho Road, has been damaged by the three wheelie bin fires causing damage to the tarmac near the swings and scorching part of the adjacent hedge.

Quantock Park, in Scartho, also had a bin set on fire underneath the basket swing, destroying it. In 2021, the Council invested over £25,000 in Quantock Park to bring in new play equipment and refurbish parts of the park.

Repairing the damage at both parks could cost around £10,000.

The incident on Barretts Rec is believed to have happened on Friday, 20 February and Quantock around Sunday, 11 January. The Council are now asking for help to understand who was responsible.

In 2021, the Council invested over £25,000 in Quantock Park to bring in new play equipment and refurbish parts of the park.

Sadly, this isn’t the first incident in recent times where the parks have been targeted. In July last year, two railings and the connected concrete footings were pulled out the ground from the Air Rider in Kingston Gardens, off Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby.

The basket swing was removed due to damage from dogs biting the rubber and repairs to the floor being ripped up.

“This is completely unacceptable. These parks are meant for families and people to enjoy, not to disrespect like this,” said Councillor Ron Shepherd.

He added: “All our parks are a source of fun and entertainment for the families and children of this borough and the small minority are ruining it for those people.

“Whilst the green space may remain, the very reason people visit these places are being removed through no fault of their own. It’s not fair that those wanting to use and respect the play equipment should be hindered from doing so because of these mindless criminals.”

Should you have any information on the arson, please contact Humberside Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 26000023827 for Barretts Rec and 26000004863 for Quantock Park.