A TEENAGER has been bailed following a fire on a community park that opened last month.

Emergency services were called to an incident on Brecon Way, Winsford, on Wednesday, May 6 at 10.12pm.

Firefighters who attended the scene managed to extinguish the blaze, which is believed to have been started deliberately.

A teenage boy, 14, has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the incident, and has subsequently been bailed until June 15 pending further enquires.

Judith Burbidge, director of neighbourhoods and wellbeing for Weaver Vale Housing Trust, who own the land, said: “This is a highly regrettable incident as so many people of all ages had been enjoying this newly opened park, especially local children.

“What we will do now is listen to the views of local people and work with them to try to get this valuable community space open again as soon as possible.”

The park was created following a prolonged community campaign, led by Kathryn Lowe, 39, from Winsford.

Funding was obtained from various sources, including more than £40,000 from Weaver Vale Housing Trust. In total, £170,000 was raised to help build the park.

Despite admitting to being ‘devastated’, Ms Lowe praised the response from emergency services and the community.

She said: “I was devastated when I found out. As soon as it had gone on fire I had everyone messaging me. I went up to see the damage.

“The community really came together. It was absolutely amazing. I was made up by the response.

“It just shows that people are willing to protect it. It’s their park and they took control.”

Cheshire Fire’s Winsford station manager, Ant Jones, added: “It is very sad that someone would intentionally target this newly built child’s play area, especially as local people have worked so hard to raise money for it.

“Cheshire Fire Authority also put a donation into this park and I know that they were very disappointed to hear that it had been damaged by fire so soon after being completed.”

Anyone with any information regarding the incident, or similar incidents, are asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.