Published 28 June 2021
Councillors have spoken of their disgust after fire-raising vandals caused significant damage at a children’s play park in Silverton last weekend.
At a West Dunbartonshire Council meeting last Wednesday, Councillor Iain McLaren put forward a motion requesting the use of capital spend to bring the facility back into use as quickly as possible.
The emergency motion, which was agreed by all members, follows a spate of targeted attacks in the area, including vandalism at Carleith Primary school and Auchnacraig Early Learning and Childcare Centre earlier this month.
Repairs to these sites, along with the play park at Milldam Road, will also be looked at as part of the motion.
Councillor Iain McLaren, Convener of the Council’s Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development committee, said: “This is a heinous act of vandalism which has removed a well-used and well-loved facility from the community in Silverton. Setting a fire like this is not only extremely dangerous, but it deprives young children in the area of somewhere to play just as the school holidays begin.
“I am pleased that my motion was carried and want to reassure residents that we are doing all we can to repair this damage as quickly as possible.”
Councillor Diane Docherty, Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, added: “We condemn all acts of vandalism, but this targeted attack on a children’s play area is extremely disturbing. It is even more galling when you consider the context of three other recent attacks, including on primary school and early learning centre playground.
“I would urge anyone with any information about any of these mindless acts to contact Police Scotland, Crimestoppers or our Anti-Social Behaviour team.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to the blaze on Millburn Crescent at 4.55am on Saturday 19 June, at which time there was already substantial damage to the play area.
The incident, as well as the damage caused at Carleith and Auchnacraig, is being investigated by Police Scotland.
Anyone with information on any of the incidents should contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Any incidents of anti social behaviour can be reported to the Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Team on 01389 772048 between 8.30am and 2am Monday to Friday, or between 3pm and 2am on Saturday and Sunday.