A councillor has issued a public warning after deliberate fires were started at Paston Skate Park in Peterborough over the weekend, an incident that has prompted involvement from both Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cambridgeshire Police.
Incidents and local response
The fires, reported on Saturday and Sunday evenings, were first brought to councillors' attention by residents. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a call to Willesden Avenue in Walton just before 19:00 BST on Saturday and discovered an outbuilding alight; the appliance crew believed the blaze had been started deliberately.
Conservative city councillors for Paston and Walton, Alex Rafiq and Ivelina Banyalieva, said they had been contacted by local people after the incidents. Rafiq told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the events were "extremely disappointing" and said the suspected perpetrators were a group of children aged between 12 and 16.
"If that spread and someone died, or someone's house was burnt down, then they would be in serious trouble."
Action being taken
Rafiq said councillors were using available footage and intelligence to help identify those responsible. He added that Ring doorbell footage in the area and restored CCTV at the Chadburn Centre had been shared with police, and that he had passed on details of where children were gathering to officers.
A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said the local neighbourhood team was working with partners and schools to educate young people about the dangers of fires. Councillors emphasised the impact the damage has on securing funding for improvements to parks and open spaces in the area.
- Location: Paston Skate Park, Willesden Avenue, Walton, Peterborough
- When: Saturday and Sunday (evening incidents)
- Response: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service attended; police neighbourhood team involved
- Suspected offenders: Group of children aged 12–16 (as reported by councillors)
Community concerns and practical information
Councillors warn that deliberate fires put people and property at risk and complicate efforts to win funding for local facilities. They are appealing for residents with any relevant footage or information to share it with the police to support investigations.
For parents and guardians in Paston and Walton, councillors and partners plan to work with schools to increase awareness among young people about the potential consequences of deliberate fires, both criminal and dangerous. Anyone with information about the incidents should contact Cambridgeshire Police via their non-emergency channels or report anonymously through Crimestoppers.
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service | Attended and extinguished an outbuilding fire; investigating deliberate ignition |
| Cambridgeshire Police | Neighbourhood team liaising with partners and schools; pursuing intelligence |
| Local councillors | Collecting footage and local information; raising community concerns about funding impact |
The incidents underline how small acts of vandalism can escalate into serious hazards for residents and place additional strain on emergency services. Councillors say co-operation from the public will be vital in preventing further damage and safeguarding local green spaces.
