Arson-hit playground losing frames and slides

Dave Armstrong's daughter Olivia is one of many children missing their favourite play equipment

Children using a playground hit by repeated arson attacks risk losing their favourite activities as damaged equipment is removed.

Seven fires in six months at Cocker Beck play area in Branksome, Darlington, have left a bill of £30,000 and seen the removal of a timber multi-play frame.

Following what it called "acts of mindless vandalism", the town's neighbourhood police team said it had identified one youth who will be spoken to by officers. The force also asked for help from parents in the area.

Dave Armstrong, who lives nearby, described the park as being "in a bit of a state", while his young daughter was disappointed her favourite slide was not there anymore.

Mr Armstrong said: "There is quite a bit of antisocial behaviour goes on around here.

"So, do you get more people out to patrol the area? I'm nor really sure what to do, to be honest."

A timber playframe is the latest piece of equipment removed from Cocker Beck playground

Councillor Libby McCollom, Darlington's cabinet member for local services, said there has been "a real spike in arson attacks and communities shouldn't have to put up with it".

"We want to have conversations with young people about what they want on offer, rather than seeing them going out setting fires which puts property and people at risk."

Councillor Libby McCollum says the council is looking for funding to replace destroyed equipment

The council has plans to source additional funding for play equipment that is "as robust as possible".

McCollum said: "To have this taken away by people who may have used this equipment not long ago, that's really upsetting."

Insp David Littlefair, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, asked parents and guardians to "please educate your children around the seriousness of causing damage like this and the consequences it can lead to".

"It's extremely disheartening to see these acts of mindless vandalism."