“UTTERLY mindless” – the reaction to a suspected arson attack in Alcester which struck at the heart of the community.
Firefighters were called when a storage container belonging to Alcester Town Council on Jubilee Fields was set ablaze around 2.15am on Monday October 30.
The container was being used to store equipment for community events, such as street fayres, Court Leet and British Legion events – and included 25 gazebos which were all destroyed. It is estimated replacing them could cost around £10,000.
Court Leet High Bailiff Steven Brown added: “Vandalism is criminal and inexcusable.
“It’s sad that things like this can happen to community assets. It’s going to make it very difficult when we celebrate St Nick’s night in December.
“I doubt that the perpetrators had any idea the amount of damage they were doing to the community as a whole.
“It’s not just a bit of fun burning a pod in a field – affects a lot of people and the wider community.”
A council spokesperson said they would be looking to see if they could afford to replace the gazebos.
Police in the town have confirmed an arson investigation was under way.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or information can be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
