PEOPLE living on a Darwen estate have praised the borough council after it quickly replaced park equipment that had been damaged by arsonists.

A swing in Anchor Park, in the middle of the Anchor Estate, had been set alight by vandals on Sunday night, according to residents.

But after it was put out by the fire service, Blackburn with Darwen Council officers were on the scene on Monday replacing the damaged equipment.

Resident Susanna Bolton said: “On behalf of Anchor Estate I would like to say a big thank-you to the council.

“On Sunday night some people used the dried grass and set fire to the swing on Anchor Park. The fire brigade came out and sorted it and on Monday the council replaced the swing. By teatime on Monday, the children where playing happily, unaware of what had gone on.

“Anchor Park is used a lot by our children and all we need now is help to stop the dog-fouling and clear the paths around the once lovely trees.”

Earlier this month, residents had hit out at overgrown grass making the park unusable, but the grass has since been cut and children have been able to enjoy the facility once more.

Coun Jim Smith, executive member for environment at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I was disgusted to hear that irresponsible vandals had once again destroyed an object that can bring joy to many.

“I am pleased that as a council we can respond to these terrible attacks by repairing the items they destroy, and in this case we have repaired the swing in Anchor Park.

“However while residents work with us to ensure damage is repaired, if as a borough we wish to stamp out this disgraceful behaviour I ask residents to work with the police and crimestoppers to catch those responsible for this awful act.”