Edinburgh children's play area targeted by vandals three times in a week
A CHILDREN’S play area has been targeted by fire-raising vandals three times in a week.
Residents spotted the fires at the skatepark and playground in the Dip in the Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park and took photographs which show a group of youths standing nearby.
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Hide AdNow there are fears the anti-social behaviour at the park will deter younger children from wanting to use the playground.
One mum responded to news of the fires on social media, saying: “My wee girl told me about this as she was down there when it happened - she and her friend ran home she said it was scary.”
Other residents said wheelie bins were regularly stolen from outside houses, taken to the park and set on fire.
The skatepark, which has been in place for nearly 15 years, had already been badly damaged by fires and it is due to be replaced with a new concrete facility covered by CCTV.
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Hide AdIn a post on Facebook, the Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park said: “There have been two fires around the play area and skatepark in the Dip over the last few nights, with another just tonight.
“These appear to be wheelie bins that have been set on fire. The police have been informed and we’re waiting on a fuller response from the police this week.
“When we had problems earlier in the summer the police increased resources so that there were four officers in the area on a Friday and Saturday night.
Hopefully we can get extra resources to tackle this latest resurgence in vandalism and damage.”
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Hide AdThe group urged anyone who spotted anti-social behaviour in the are to contact the police on the non emergency 101 number.
It added: “This is just appalling behaviour and hopefully parents can play a part by making sure they know where their kids are and hopefully the police can play a role in tackling this too.”
The park is a local nature reserve and twice the size of Princes Street Gardens, stretching from Gilmerton Road all the way up to Burdiehouse Road two miles to the south west.
Former city council leader Donald Anderson, who is chair of the Friends group, said: “It’s extremely distressing to see repeated fire-raising at a children’s play area. The skatepark has already been ruined by previous fires.
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Hide Ad“This is completely unacceptable and we have appealed to the police for help.
“We would encourage anyone seeing any problems to report them immediately to the police. “The council is planning to replace the skatepark and install CCTV as well. However, that may take some time and it’s important to tackle these issues now to prevent more damage being done.”
Police said there had been five similar incidents reported to them since the beginning of August. A spokeswoman said: “Enquiries are currently underway following reports of youths in the area of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park setting fire to local wheelie bins.
“A local policing operation is in place to deal with this antisocial behaviour. There will also be a heightened police presence in that area over the coming weeks. We are working with partner organisations on this matter, such as the council, Scottish Fire and Rescue, the Friends group and local youth workers.”