Weather delays repairs at Charlies Park play area in Jarrow after suspected arson attack

Work is cruising towards completion on repairs to a popular play park hit by a suspected arson attack before lockdown – despite adverse weather hampering the project.
Charlies Park, Jarrow, shortly after the incident in January.Charlies Park, Jarrow, shortly after the incident in January.
Charlies Park, Jarrow, shortly after the incident in January.
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South Tyneside Council chiefs said in July that the work would be complete by mid-August.

Charlies Park, Jarrow, shortly after the incident in January.Charlies Park, Jarrow, shortly after the incident in January.
Charlies Park, Jarrow, shortly after the incident in January.

The new equipment is now in place – but the unexpected rain and mini heat wave at the beginning of the week put a spanner in the works.

Work to complete the safety flooring surrounding the equipment has been slightly delayed, as conditions meant teams could not install it as planned.

As a result, the area is still fenced off and remains closed to the public until the work is completed.

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Councillor Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: “It is such a shame that the play ship at Charlies Park was severely damaged by mindless vandals earlier this year, but I am pleased to see that work to restore the park is underway and progressing well.

“We know that many children, parents and carers will be keen to see the new equipment and the re-opening of the park but at this time, we would urge people to respect the closure signage and fencing currently in place.

“We will be sure to let residents know when repairs to the park are completed and when the park is safe to use again.”

Firefighters were called to Charlies Park at 9.21pm on Friday, January 31, when they received reports the play park was on fire.

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