Yobs torch park trees

6:30am Friday 4th July 2008

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This was the moment a gang of young arsonists destroyed a tree in a popular Bingley park.

Police are now stepping up patrols in Myrtle Park following a series of similar blazes that fire chiefs warn could spread to buildings.

The latest attack happened only metres away from Bingley Glen Bowling Club where members were holding their weekly meeting.

Club member Mick Penie said bowlers were being intimidated by the gang of up to 20 youngsters.

He said membership was suffering as some people were too intimidated to use the park in the evening.

He said: “We are having problems every week with these children. They were playing on the green, which was not built for that.

“The fire was started just 30 feet away from us – the hut has a wooden roof and door, it could have easily gone up in smoke, along with all our equipment.

“Bingley Glen Bowling Club has been established for more than 30 years. This is a continuing problem and it is spiralling out of control. If we try to approach them, we just get a load of abuse.”

Mr Penie said discussions had now taken place between Bingley Glen and Myrtle Park bowling clubs to try to install CCTV and fencing around the park.

Steve Brown, watch manager at Bingley Fire Station, said vital resources were being wasted by the park arsonists.

He said: “We assume these are youngsters doing this. There is great danger in setting light to trees.

“Depending on the kind of tree it could ignite and blow up quickly, causing danger to themselves and others.

“There is also a risk of buildings being set alight. They don’t have to be that close to the trees as the wind can carry the fire and this could lead to a serious blaze.

“We are also tying up resources putting out a small tree fire when somebody’s house could be on fire.

“The fact that they are gathering will stop people using the park.

“I have no idea why they do these things, I suppose it is to do with peer pressure. Groups of youngsters are out to impress each other. It is historic that youngsters set fire to things.”

Inspector Andy Longden, of Bingley and Worth Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team, has vowed to increase patrols in the area, while working in partnership with the park’s rangers.

He said: “We are issuing a warning to anyone engaging in anti-social drinking or behaviour that they will be identified and positive action taken in all cases.

“Parks and other public areas are a meeting place for large numbers of young people. The majority are law-abiding, however a minority of these young people spoil it and have an impact on the surrounding community.

“We will continue to work alongside our partners, the park ranger service, making regular patrols throughout the summer months.”