Bridgwater Town Council is deeply saddened to report that a deliberate fire was started at the new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Mansfield Park, causing damage to the playing surface.
The MUGA represents an investment of many thousands of pounds into Mansfield Park and the wider Hamp community. The project was made possible through a combination of funding from Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund, managed by Somerset Community Foundation and The Hamp Community Association (HCA).
Local residents alerted the emergency services on the evening of Monday 13 April. They attended promptly and successfully extinguished the fire
“Our Open Spaces team have assessed the damage and will undertake the necessary repairs,” said Scott Mason, Director of Amenities at Bridgwater Town Council.
“A significant amount of time, care, and effort goes into developing and maintaining our parks and open spaces so they can be enjoyed by everyone. The actions of a few individuals have once again spoiled an important community facility. Vandalism not only damages valued public assets but also diverts time and resources away from improving services for our residents using funding which could be far better spent on enhancing facilities rather than repairing avoidable damage”
Councillor Tim Mander, Chair of the Amenities Committee added,
“We are appalled by this senseless act of vandalism. Our parks are meant to be safe, welcoming spaces for the whole community, particularly our children and young people. We will do everything in our power to restore the MUGA as quickly as possible and ensure it remains a safe place for everyone to enjoy.”
“We are committed to restoring this play facility as quickly as possible,” Scott Mason added. “We ask for the community’s support in helping us safeguard our parks by reporting anti-social behaviour.”
Councillor Leigh Redman, Secretary of the Hamp Community Association said,
“This facility is a hugely important asset for the local community and was made possible through community funding and support. It is deeply disappointing to see it targeted in this way. The MUGA provides a positive space for young people to be active and social.””
The Council is urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any anti-social behaviour to Avon and Somerset Police via www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/anti-social-behaviour
