A play park set on fire in 2022 has finally reopened following a safety inspection.

As previously reported, works to repair and replace the fire-damaged equipment at Fraser Road Play Area in Kings Worthy started on Monday, April 15 with the park remaining open during most of the works, which took around two weeks to complete.

Repairs were required after the park was targeted by arsonists and some of the equipment in the play area was set on fire in September 2022.

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Firefighters were called after the blaze was spotted by a passerby, with flames spreading from the play equipment in the park, damaging a bin and nearby car.

Some of the equipment was completely destroyed, including kids’ favourite the wooden steam train which has been replaced.

Hampshire Chronicle: the wooden steam train had to be replaced after being destroyed by the firethe wooden steam train had to be replaced after being destroyed by the fire (Image: Kings Worthy Parish Council)

 

Kings Worthy Parish Council posted on its Facebook page on Friday, May 10 to confirm that the works to repair the fire-damaged park had been completed, with a required pre-opening safety inspection on Tuesday, May 14.

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However, the inspection on Tuesday did not take place, with the parish council confirming this on a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 15.

The safety inspection was subsequently carried out on Friday, May 17 and the park was reopened to the public. 

A spokesperson for Kings Worthy Parish Council said: "Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of both the Parish Council’s and contractor’s control, the planned safety inspections had to be delayed. However, I can confirm that the inspection took place on Friday, May 17 and the park has now re-opened.

"We would like to thank parishioners for their patience and understanding whilst the repair works were carried out. We hope the younger members of our community enjoy our new train."