VANDALS started a fire in a play area that is in the process of being refurbished.

The fire destroyed some surfacing material which was about to be installed and damaged a climbing frame that had recently been installed in the play area at Ellesmere Park, off Plodder Lane in Farnworth.

Police received several reports about a group of four or five youths starting the fire and are investigating the incident, which happened just before 7pm on February 11.

The refurbishment is part of Bolton Council’s £75,000 project to manage and maintain the borough’s play areas.

Gary Hooley, who has been carrying out the work on the park, said: “It is just terrible — all that work and some kids just come along and ruin it.

“It will set us back a couple of days and we are just waiting to assess the cost.”

The damaged climbing frame had only recently been installed at the park to replace older equipment deemed to be at the end of its life.

A spokesman for the council said: “The refurbishment of the play area in Ellesmere Park is part of the council’s ongoing strategy to manage and maintain the borough’s play areas.

“Most of the equipment was at the end of its life and required replacement, along with the safer surfacing.

“The total project is costing £75,000 and has been ongoing for a few weeks, but it has been delayed by the recent snow and frost.

“The fire has destroyed some of the safer surfacing and damaged a recently installed multi-unit climber.

“We are liaising with the equipment manufacturers before deciding if the piece can be repaired in situ or needs to be removed for repair.”