Vandals' arson attack leaves kids with no place to play

Vandals who set fire to play equipment have forced the Clonmellon Community Playgroup operators to lock the gates and hang up a closed sign - for now.
“We are hoping to open it as soon as possible,” said Tommy Conlon, who is chairman of the village’s Community Council, estimating that repairs may well cost anything up to €20,000.
The fire is believed to have been set last Thursday, and it caused damage to a climbing structure in the playground.
Previously, damage has been caused to the fence around the play area, which is fitted with equipment aimed at children of up to 12 years of age, and Tommy admits that there was a lot of disappointment locally that it had happened.
“We’re trying to get our heads around it,” said Tommy. “It’s unfortunate what’s happened.”
The playground was built with funding from Westmeath Community Development on lands provided by Westmeath County Council.
“It was only opened around one and a half years ago,” says Tommy, going on to speak of the pride that the Community Council has in the area, and of its efforts to help the Clonmellon move forward from the worst days of the recession.
“This facility was used by the majority of the community: it is a massive positive for the village, but there seems to be a small number of people causing problems.”
Cllr Una D’Arcy, who is to meet with community representatives in Clonmellon this morning, Tuesday, with director of services, Martin Murray, praised the community for its work in obtaining a playground.
“We’re going to work out a way that Westmeath County Council can support the Community Council in all the positive works that are doing,” she said.