By Alan Quick

CREDITON Police have confirmed that one of the two youths who set fire to a piece of play equipment in Newcombes Meadow, Crediton, which caused an estimated £5,000 worth of damage, was the first to call firefighers to the scene.

A police spokesman told the “Courier”: “The two lads stayed at the scene and we know who they are.

“They were spoken to by firefighters.

“Their parents are aware and we are in discussions about where to go from here.”

The officer added: “The lads did the right thing to stay at the scene and admit what they did.”

It was at about 6.30pm on Monday, April 11, that huge plumes of black smoke were reported rising high above the town from the area.

Local residents alerted Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and a fire crew from Crediton were quickly on the scene.

On arrival the fire crew found a fire had been lit under one end of the zip wire stand which had ignited the rubber safety surface.

The firefighters used foam to put out the blaze.

The piece of play equipment was one of a number of new pieces of play equipment installed just over a year ago after a campaign by a group of local residents for the play equipment to be improved.

The Newcombes Meadow Community Group issued a comment on social media which read: "Terrible news tonight. The group are in shock tonight after one of our main pieces of play equipment has been destroyed by fire.

"We will work with the local councils to get the play area back up and running as soon as possible."

Andi Wyer, speaking on behalf of the group, said it was: “Devastated by this mindless vandalism which has robbed Crediton children of a fantastic piece of play equipment.

“The play area was due to be expanded soon with a big climbing frame and a slide but the group will now have to concentrate on helping Mid Devon District Council get the zip wire made safe and replaced.”

Many other people commented on "Facebook" and Sarah Russell described it as "Dreadful news".

She added: My four-year-old son and I had a lovely time playing on that amongst other things on Saturday afternoon."

Karen Todd added: "Dreadful. I passed there on Saturday and there were some much older children in there."

Daniel Webb said: "Truly disgusting behaviour."

Kit Salter said: "Why would you do this, disgraceful."

Jenna Rich said: "What is wrong with some people, disgusting behaviour! My little girl loves going on that. Small silly minority that have to ruin it for others. Should be ashamed of themselves."

Dan Weeks said: "It appears to be two young lads spoiling it for the masses! They ought to be made to pay for the repairs."

Wendy Hyland said: "How terrible, one of my kids favourite things in the park."

Chezney Rodriguez said: "That’s Crediton for ya, nothing for the youths to do except cause trouble and fires and destroying things for other people."

The piece of play equipment has now been taped off.

• What do you think the youths should do to make good their foolish error? What do you think can be done to prevent something similar happening in the future?

Share your views with fellow "Crediton Courier" readers.

Write a letter, suitable for publication, to: The Editorial Manager, "Crediton Courier", 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .