Fife Council slams 'senseless' vandalism after £150,000 Cowenbeath playpark torched

Councillors have slammed “senseless” and “deeply disappointing” vandalism at a playpark in Fife, which was destroyed in a blaze.

Crews were called to a fire affecting the Cowenbeath playpark’s facilities on Tulloch Court at around 3.30am on Monday.

The crew left the scene at around 4am. There was no reports of any injuries.

The park, which had not yet been officially opened to the public, received a £150k revamp in December, with new equipment.

Cllr Linda Erskine, Fife Council’s spokesperson for communities and leisure, said: “I am deeply disappointed to learn of the fire at Cowdenbeath Public Park. The council recently completed a £150,000 refurbishment of the park, which was due to be officially opened in the coming weeks.

“Local families will understandably be devastated to see this happen in their community as it deprives children of a safe and welcoming place to play.

“Council officers are currently assessing the extent of the damage, and once this inspection is complete, we will determine the next steps.”

Councillor Darren Watt, for Cowdenbeath, expressed his frustration at the incident.

“It is just another senseless and needless act of vandalism which is just what the town doesn’t need at the moment”, he said.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 3.30am on Monday, January 26, to reports of a fire in the open on Tulloch Court, Cowdenbeath.

“Operations Control mobilised one appliance to the scene, where firefighters worked to extinguish the fire affecting the playpark’s furniture.

“Firefighters left at approximately 4am after making the area safe.”