Written by Andrew Ward

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into a fire attack at a play park in Hardgate.

The new play area at Goldenhill Park, which is currently under construction, was targeted late on Thursday, October 14.

The fire has reportedly caused £2,000 worth of damage and police have appealed for witnesses.

Councillor Douglas McAllister, who represents Hardgate, told the Post: “The problem with Goldenhill Park is, at night, it’s quite a secluded area for the older youth to hang out because they think they can’t be seen.

“There has been quite a lot of problems in the past in relation to large groups of them congregating there at the weekends.

“The disappointing aspect to it all is the fact that they always choose the children’s play area at the entrance to the park to hang out.

“So not only is it a huge inconvenience to the members of the public who live in close proximity to the park, but also it’s very frustrating because later on in the night, they vandalise the children’s play equipment or, in this case, set fire to the children’s play area.”

The area is near the trail being developed to promote the history of the Antonine Wall, which is hoped to bring more visitors to the area.

Cllr McAllister added: “The damage they cause is hugely disruptive and hugely expensive for the council to repair it.

“There has been significant investment by the council to build this new children’s play area.

“Of course this is going to be of great concern to all of us that if, no sooner we open a brand new expensive play area, it will be vandalised again.”

A spokeswoman from West Dunbartonshire Council said the site was still the responsibility of the contractor on site.

She added: “We condemn all vandalism and this incident has been reported to the police.”

The state of the area has previously come under criticism from residents, with many claiming it has led to rats entering their gardens.

An increase in biodiversity forced the council to change its approach to the area, which has since led to the construction of the Roman-themed play park.

Cllr McAllister said he would like an increased police presence going forward, particularly during evenings and weekends.

Police in Clydebank are keen to trace any witnesses who may have been near the area at the time.

Anyone with any information should contact them on 101.