Vandals set fire to bin at Grimsby's Weelsby Woods

CONCERNED dog walkers have called for more security at a beauty spot in Grimsby after vandals set fire to a recycling bin.

Regular visitors to Weelsby Woods were dismayed yesterday morning to find the burnt-out remains of the bin abandoned in a field at the back.

It appears the culprits pushed the bin from a secure area near the children's playgrounds to the rear of the parkland.

It was then set alight. Humberside Fire and Rescue Service put out the fire at 6.27am yesterday morning.

The incident has prompted users to make a plea for additional security at the wood, which already has a CCTV system in place around the playgrounds.

The cameras also monitor the cafe at the entrance, a series of wooden sculptures nearby and the memorial to the Carpathian Lancers, a regiment of the Polish army.

The rear of the wood is wilder, backing on to farmland and surrounding roads, including Peaks Parkway.

A resident who lives nearby was walking her dog yesterday morning when she came across the still-smouldering recycling bin.

"I am horrified because vandalism and arson like this is so mindless," she said.

"It must have taken a lot of effort to push the bin to where it ended up – and, of course, there is always the danger that deliberate fires like this can cause even bigger problems. What if a tree or the grass had caught fire?

"I would like to see the wood patrolled every so often, in addition to the security camera coverage the front area receives.

"Generally, the people who use the park are respectful, but we have had similar problems in the past, as well as incidents like youths riding motorcycles, scaring people and animals by zooming by too closely and churning up the land.

"It's a shame that a minority have to ruin it for others."

Another regular visitor to the woods, who also did not wish to give their name, added: "What might have felt like a bit of fun to the culprits is actually very serious – and could have had much worse consequences."

A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: "We'd like to thank the members of the public for bringing this to our attention. We are currently retrieving the bin back to our secure recycling area.

"This was an irresponsible act which could have had serious consequences to the local woodland. We've had a spell of dry weather and fires in woodland can quickly grow in size and ferocity. Thankfully, on this occasion, the damage to the woods was limited.

"The council provides bins and recycling facilities to help keep the area clean, and we welcome responsible use of these, so that everyone can enjoy the amenities at Weelsby Woods.

"If anyone has any information regarding the incident, can they please report it to the police."