by Alan Quick

CREDITON Police are searching for two youths who caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a piece of play equipment in Newcombes Meadow, Crediton.

At about 6.30pm on Monday, April 11, 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 was 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 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."

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."

A local resident said that witnesses said that two youths were believed to have lit the fire.

The piece of play equipment has now been taped off.

If you can help the police with their inquiries, please contact Crediton Police using the 101 number.

• Why do you think the youths set fire to the piece of play equipment in Newcombes Meadow? What do you think can be done to prevent it 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] .