PLAY equipment deliberately set on fire earlier this year will be replaced in the coming months.

Cudworth Park, on Royston Road, has been targeted by vandals a number of times in the past, after being vandalised, covered in graffiti and set alight.

Coun Joe Hayward, who represents the Cudworth ward, told the Chronicle an investigation would be carried out and the culprits would be named and shamed as a result of destroying a children’s playground.

He feared - due to the financial constraints - that it’d be unlikely the equipment would be replaced.

However, postive news was received that the parks team have secured a way to replace the unit and are hoping to have the climbing frame back by the end of summer.

“Most people will be aware of the senseless vandalism and the burning of the children’s climbing frame in Cudworth Park in February,” Joe said.

“I feel ecstatic that the equipment will be replaced.

“I know a lot of children who used the climbing frame so there are a lot of happy parents.

“Even those who didn’t use the playground are happy it will be replaced.

“The park services will place the order this week and hope to have it back by July or August.

“It will take time for the unit to arrive from the supplier as they are made to order, but parks will fit it as soon as they can.”