Residents have shared their anger and sadness after they witnessed the 'awful' scenes of the aftermath of a fire which has destroyed play equipment at their local park. Fire crews were called to the scene of the blaze in Mead Park, Stoke Gifford around 8.30pm on Saturday night (June 17).
The popular play park was completely destroyed by the fire, with witnesses describing how the wooden slide and castle in the park were first to catch alight. Video footage taken by local residents showed towering flames and thick, dark smoke filling the air.
Now, locals in a Facebook group for the area have shared their hope that the play park can be rebuilt for local children to use as soon as possible, though some fear that they will have already missed out on this summer's fun.
Read more: Huge fire completely destroys Stoke Gifford children's play park
The cause of the blaze is still unclear, but locals are concerned the fire was deliberate. One resident wrote on Facebook: "Such a shame. A completely pointless act of vandalism that has now ruined children's fun at this lovely park."
Another said: "I'm so angry. My kids loved this park."
However the blaze hasn't dampened the spirits of the local community, some of whom are already trying to organise a a DIY SOS-type way locals could work together to get the park fixed up sooner. One resident said: "Wonder if anything can be done community-wise to rebuild?
"I work in the wood treatment industry so have some connections to timber producers and can of course supply treatment free - any trades that would give up time to rebuild?" To which responses said: "That would be a great idea, get in touch with Stoke Gifford Parish Council" and "anything I can do to help organise please let me know - our kids love that park".
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