Arson Playground

Minor damage resulted from an arson attack in the new Lions Playground in Windsor Park in Hastings overnight.

A fire was lit under the wooden pirate ship damaging the timber structure, a climbing rope and a small amount of artificial turf. Council staff put the damage at about $3000.

Police and the fire service are investigating the attack.

Hastings District councillor Sandra Hazlehurst said it was very disappointing after all the hard work put in by the Hastings Host Lions Club and council to complete the new play area, which was officially opened on November 29.

“We have zero tolerance for vandalism. We are in the middle of setting up neighbourhood support groups in the Mayfair area so there will be eyes and ears on what is happening in the park. The community is absolutely loving the playground and we’re not going to allow a few troublemakers to ruin it for us.”

Staff had ordered materials for the repairs and said the pirate ship should be back in action by this afternoon. In the meantime it has been roped off.

ENDS

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