PERSISTENT fires started by yobs at children’s play areas are costing thousands of pounds to put right - but council bosses have warned that repeated repair work is in doubt due to associated costs and squeezed budgets.
The Chronicle can reveal that £48,000 was spent maintaining the borough’s play areas last year although most of the sum went on repairing damaged equipment.
Last week, a swing on Bly Road’s playground in Darfield was torched, which will cost approximately £3,500 to replace.
Coun Kevin Osborne blasted those responsible and warned it is unlikely to be replaced both due to its cost and the playground’s track record of vandalism.
He said: “The cantilever swing at Bly Road has been torched again, making it three times in 18 months.
“With a approximate cost of £3,500 to replace the equipment and new resurfacing, the council are unlikely to support a replacement at this stage.
“Anyone with information as to those responsible are urged to engage with South Yorkshire Police via 101.”
New data shows a total of 793 playgrounds have been closed in the UK over the last ten years, predominantly due to spiralling cases of antisocial behaviour, fires and criminal damage.
The alarming cost has led Barnsley Council to issue a warning to those responsible this week as their behaviour is putting playgrounds’ futures at risk due to safety fears and reduced budgets.
Damaged equipment has to be removed and although the council has repaired or replaced items such as soft flooring and swings, a lack of funds to continue doing so could mean that might not always be possible at the 143 play areas it’s responsible for.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, added: “I’m appalled by the vandalism of the children’s play area at Bly Road and wholeheartedly condemn the mindless individuals responsible.
“The reality is that local children and families suffer from every act of vandalism when it is no longer viable for Barnsley Council to keep replacing damaged equipment.
“Our parks department spent over £48,000 maintaining parks and play areas last year.
“Most of that was spent repairing equipment which was deliberately damaged and could have otherwise been used to improve facilities for all to enjoy.
“We will be working with South Yorkshire Police, our Safer Neighbourhoods Service and the community to try and identify the perpetrators and hold them to account.
“If you have any information relating to this incident please let us know or report directly to South Yorkshire Police on 101.
“You can also contact safer@barnsley.gov.uk or complete the online form on our website.”
