Another arson attack at Meriden Adventure Playground in Chelmsley Wood

In the last two years Meriden Adventure Playground in Chelmsley Wood has been subjected to mindless acts of criminal behaviour – the latest incident was on Friday 6th May around 11pm, when an arson attack caused over £10,000 worth of damage and left the play workers in despair.

The adventure playground in Meriden Park is a community resource that has provided opportunities for local children to have fun and explore their potential for over 7 years.

It has become a real community hub, appreciated and supported by local families, organisations and businesses.

The Playpod, which contained play equipment, crash mats, bikes and scooters, was broken into and set alight, leaving it gutted and the equipment totally destroyed.

This was the latest in a series of acts of destruction to buildings and equipment on the playground – much of which has been created by the children themselves with help from the play workers.

The community response to this has been amazing – people have offered donations, and Meriden APG have been contacted by Grace Academy, where the pupils are keen to go down and help repair the damage.

The staff and MAPA Friends group will also be organising a community event that will enable people to get involved.

Meanwhile, playground staff and the police are keen to find out as much as they can about who could have caused this damage.

If you have any information that might be helpful, please ring 101 – or you can speak to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.