Glasgow play park torched by vandals, causing 25K worth of damage

Vandals have torched a children’s play park in Glasgow causing more than £25,000 worth of damage. The Glasgow City Council play park was refurbished at a cost of £50,000 in 2020.

A mini climbing frame in the shape of a train was set ablaze in broad daylight on the 25th February and completely destroyed in the fire in Houldsworth Street, Anderston. Two smaller pieces of play equipment escaped damage.

In January, another recently refurbished play park on the southside of the city was badly damaged.

Several pieces play equipment were damaged, months after the facility on Bonnyholm Avenue reopened to the public following a £160,000 upgrade.

Vandals severely damaged a swing, a conical climbing frame and a see-saw in two incidents over the festive season and on January 18th.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Glasgow’s Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets said: “I cannot fathom why anyone in their right mind would do this That expensive piece of equipment was installed in the heart of the community for the enjoyment of little children. It is absolutely galling that the time, effort and money put into the project has been destroyed for no reason other than sheer badness. It is a blow to the community and heartbreaking for the children who loved the train.

The play park in Houldsworth Street is surrounded by housing, I’d urge anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area or who knows who is responsible for the fire to contact the police immediately and help them catch those responsible for this criminal and antisocial behaviour.”

A total of 133 Glasgow play parks are due to be refurbished by the council over the next five years at a cost of £6 million.

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