Why saving Old Swans' fire engine was so important

Cambridge Ward Liberal Democrats learnt this morning of an arson attack in Old Swan, Liverpool.

The fire was deliberately set on a brand-new Council funded children's play area in Doric Park and accelerated using deodorant canisters. The first adults on the scene were the Old Swan Liberal Democrats- who were canvassing the area- including Councillor Keith Turner. They quickly alerted the emergency services, and two of the young activists began helping a young local boy who had inhaled some of the toxic smoke released from the burning of rubberised tarmac. Luckily, no-one was seriously hurt in the incident.

Old Swan Liberal Democrats, who recently (and fortunately as this incident proves) saved the Old Swan fire engine, commented that this was a "tragedy" and "the local children have waited so long for a safe place to play, it is truly terrible that they will now have to wait even longer."

Southport Councillor, Sue McGuire said, "it is always a tragedy when mindless acts of violence hurt so many- the Council tax payers, the local residents who would have benefited and especially when children are injured as a result. In a financially tight year for all Councils across the country, we cannot afford to waste money, and having to spend the money to refurbish Doric Park twice will unfortunately, have to effect the regeneration of other areas of the borough. I am saddened for the people who will lose out."

Cllr. Sue McGuire, who has been a long-time supporter of improving children's services across Sefton, also highlighted the repeated arson attacks on Christ the King sports hall several years ago, and more recently the unnecessary destruction of the river caves in Southport Pleasure Land as pointless acts of violence that damage property, communities and future enjoyment for many people.

Liverpool City Council security are investigating the incident.