Residents have reacted with dismay after youths torched a bench in a community playing field.
Firefighters were called to the fire at Melrosegate Field in Tang Hall at 7.47pm last night (Wednesday).
Many residents in the area witnessed the blaze and called 999. A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “A crew from Acomb responded to multiple calls about a park bench being set on fire by youths.
Melrosegate Field
“The crew located the bench and extinguished using one hose reel jet.”
Picnic benches and fitness equipment were installed at the park last year after a long campaign.
Council leader Claire Douglas share a post on Facebook in March 2023 saying it had taken four and a half years to get the additions installed.
Residents on the Friends of Melrosegate Field Facebook group shared their upset.
One said the bench and table had been reduced to ashes.
Another wrote: “I’m shocked at this and really sad. What do people get out of this?
“I don’t know why anyone bothers any more trying to enhance the community.”
