Arsonists torch part of West End Park, March, hours after �90k CCTV scheme is launched

The fire in West End Park yesterday at 2.50pm affected 40sq metres of grass and resulted in two fire crews from March being called to the scene.

Firefighters used a hose reel and beaters to extinguish the fire and returned to their station by 3.45pm.

A fire service spokesman said: “Anyone with information should contact police on 0345 456 4564, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or log onto www.crimestoppers-uk.org”

The arson was less than three hours after work to install cameras and lights in the park was launched.

The works will include:

• The installation of two new CCTV cameras located at the Skate Bowl and Marylebone Bridge.

• The installation of 20 new street lights, incorporating LED technology.

• The removal of existing, defective street lights between The Brewin Chase and Marylebone Bridge.

• The installation of a new private service supply from Oxbow Crescent, leading to a new feeder pillar located near Marylebone Bridge.

• The trenching, ducting and cabling works required to connect the new lighting system.

It is likely to take three weeks to complete. Main contractor undertaking the work on behalf of Fenland District Council is C.G. Godfrey, from Spalding.

Councillor Peter Murphy, the council’s portfolio holder responsible for the environment, said: “This is very good news for March residents. The extra lighting and cameras that we are putting in will do a lot to make people using the park feel safer and more secure as well as making it easier to combat any anti-social behaviour there.”

Councillor Jan French said last week she was delighted that work was to be carried out - she and fellow councillor Kit Owen had been campaigning since 2003.

“Back then the skate park was only just being installed,” said Cllr French.

She said they had “nagged” council leader Alan Melton to fund the improvements and Cabinet had agreed to put the works into the capital programme.