3 days ago
Fire at award-winning Newport park infuriates locals
Beechwood Park in Newport is an award-winning park that has been subject to sprees of vandalism over the years.
The charred bridge at Beechwood Park (Image: Stuart Montgomery) In the early hours of Wednesday (August 13), one of the park's ornamental Japanese style footbridges was set alight.
A spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: 'SWFRS received a call at approximately 1.05am on August 13 regarding a fire on a bridge at Beechwood Park, Maindee, Newport.
'Crews from Maindee and Malpas Stations attended and extinguished the fire using two hose reel jets. The composite bridge was destroyed.
'The stop message was given at approximately 1.27am.'
The fire in the early hours at Beechwood Park (Image: Stuart Montgomery) Newport City Council ward councillor Matthew Pimm, a member of the Beechwood Park Community Group, said: 'Bridges don't catch fire at 1am, so it's really upsetting to see this disgusting act of vandalism.
'The act has been carried out with the intent of destruction so it's not an accident.
'It's one of the prettiest parks in South Wales and had national status and we are lucky to have a gardening team that spend a lot of time maintaining it. People want to vandalise it for reasons for I don't know.
'My fellow councillors Deb Davies and Mark Spencer are disappointed that residents have got to experience this.'
Matthew Pimm Ward Councillor and member of Beechwood Park Community Group (Image: Stuart Montgomery) The gates of the park remain open overnight to allow residential access to homes, unlike other parks in the city.
Local John Butcher added: 'Years ago, I used to be a councillor and we successfully battled against a shop selling alcohol to minors.
'This park was the place for kids to come to drink and it caused a lot of trouble. That battle was won and the park and Newport are all the better for it. Let's hope this incident is just a minor blip.'
Locals were quick to share their anger at the fire.
John Williams said: 'Mindless vandalism, with so many people in the community trying so hard to keep Beechwood Park the beautiful place it is.'
Michelle Impanni wrote: 'No care for the innocent wildlife at all. August is still nesting season, with young birds learning to find food and fly, and small animals relying on cover to survive.'
Faye Climo said: 'That's awful. Beechwood Park is such a lovely place it's just no need.'
A spokesperson for Gwent Police said the force was not actively treating the incident as a crime.
Newport City Council has been approached for comment.
