Vandals have caused more than £25,000 worth of damage after torching a children’s playground in Glasgow.
A mini climbing frame in the shape of a train was left decimated after being set ablaze in broad daylight.
Glasgow City Council, which refurbished the park at a cost of £50,000 in 2020/21, said the incident in Houldsworth Street, Anderston, occurred on 25 February.
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, 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.”
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The local authority said the vandalism follows another incident at a £160,000 refurbished playpark in Bonnyholm Avenue in the city’s southside.
Vandals severely damaged a swing, a conical climbing frame, and a seesaw in two incidents over the festive season and on 18 January.
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Councillor Kelly added: “A total of 133 Glasgow playparks are due to be refurbished by the council over the next five years at a cost of £6m, but there is no endless pot of money to continually replace equipment destroyed by vandals.
“The playpark 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.”
Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.
