Castle Batch SEND Park Trampoline “deliberately set on fire”

A play park in Weston-super-Mare created for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has suffered further vandalism after a specialist trampoline was set alight.

The incident happened at Castle Batch All-Inclusive SEND Play Park on Bishport Avenue in North Worle. Weston-super-Mare Town Council said it is the second time in three weeks the equipment has been damaged.

The trampoline had only recently been replaced following an earlier act of vandalism. The council said the latest damage is especially upsetting as it comes ahead of the half-term break, when many local families would have planned visits to the park.

Weston Town Council say the trampoline was “deliberately set on fire” (Photo: Weston-super-Mare Town Council)

A Weston Town Council spokesperson said: “We know how valued this play park is by local families and we share in your frustration and disappointment.”

The spokesperson added; “We are saddened to share that the specialist trampoline at Castle Batch All-Inclusive SEND Play Park has been vandalised again, just three weeks after it was replaced following previous damage.

This time, the trampoline has been deliberately set on fire. This act of vandalism comes just before half-term, when so many children and families would have been looking forward to using the equipment.

“The specialist trampoline is designed to support inclusive play for children of all abilities and damage like this impacts many families within our community.

“Replacing this equipment costs thousands of pounds and can take significant time to order and install.”

Council officials said the damaged equipment is costly to replace and can take a long time to source and fit due to its specialist nature.

CCTV footage from the area is now being examined, while anyone who witnessed the incident or has information has been asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police or Crimestoppers.

The inclusive play park, which opened in July 2023 following a £400,000 investment, includes accessible features such as a wheelchair swing, inclusive roundabout and zip wire.