Play area at Darlington's South Park hit by fire again

A spinning seat and safety matting was damaged at Darlington’s South Park play area on Sunday evening.

Darlington Borough Council, which is responsible for the park, said that the damaged area had now been cordoned off and suppliers contacted regarding repairs, although it stressed the rest of the play area was open and safe for the public to use.

In February this year play equipment was severely damaged by fire in an arson attack.

In February this year play equipment was severely damaged by fire in an arson attack.

Police identified three 14-year-olds responsible for the damage, who underwent a restorative justice programme aimed at making them see the error of their ways.

They met with members of Darlington Borough Council, apologised for their actions and took part in litter picks and weeding in South Park.

The youths also donated money to a fund raising campaign to repair and replace play equipment, which eventually raised £20,000.

The youths also donated money to a fund raising campaign to repair and replace play equipment which eventually raised £20,000.

In the latest incident, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue received a number of calls from members of the public shortly before 8pm on Sunday, who reported a set of swings were on fire.

One appliance went to the area and firefighters used buckets of water to extinguish the blaze.

The fire service in turn alerted police, who are now appealing for witnesses.

Special constabulary officers from the town had posted a picture on social media network Twitter at about 10pm on Sunday evening appearing to show the damage.

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman condemned what she said were “mindless vandals”.

She said: “We are very disappointed to see that mindless vandals have once again damaged one of our play parks, spoiling the enjoyment of the children who want to visit.

“We will be working closely with the police to help them catch whoever is responsible for this damage.

“Repairs will be carried out to the damaged section of the play park as soon as possible, but in the meantime the rest of the play area in South Park is open as usual.”

Anyone with information about the vandalism should ring 101 and use the crime number 529, quoting Sunday’s date, August 20.