Stage set on fire in town gardens

The roof over the stage in Withernsea Valley Gardens was replaced in 2023 at a cost of £25,800

Vandals have set fire to the stage in Valley Gardens in Withernsea, the town council said.

The structure's newly installed roof was "cut in several places", with repairs likely to be "expensive".

The attack, which Withernsea Town Council described as "very disappointing", happened between 07:30 BST on Sunday and 07:30 on Monday.

Humberside Police said it was investigating and appealed for information.

Kevin Davies said the vandalism was "utterly disgusting"

Kevin Davies, 64, who works in Withernsea, said: "I think it's utterly disgusting the vandalism continues.

"A lot of people are annoyed because most people in Withernsea love the place but I think its just a mindless few that are hell bent on causing trouble."

'Expensive repair'

The council said Southcliff toilets had been vandalised twice recently, and there had also been damage to Belvedere Play Park.

"Damage costs the taxpayer a considerable amount of money to rectify and the stage roof in particular will be an expensive repair," the council said.

"A considerable amount of time and effort goes into the grant finding process and it is very disappointing to see that our efforts have been for nothing within 12 months."

Humberside Police said it had responded to reports of a suspected arson attack.

Witnesses or anyone with CCTV footage are asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.

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