A rope swing at the Saffron Road play area in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, was engulfed in flames late Friday night, prompting a swift response from firefighters. Reported around 23:00 GMT, the incident drew resources from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, including an on-call crew from Rushden Fire Station. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze using a hose reel jet, but the beloved swing sustained significant damage and was subsequently removed.
The Higham Ferrers Parish Council expressed deep sadness over the loss of the rope swing, which had been described as "extremely popular" among local children. The council acknowledged the impact of the incident, noting that the play equipment would be unavailable for use, much to the disappointment of the community's young residents.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing, with both Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and the police involved. As authorities work to uncover the cause of the blaze, Rushden Fire Station issued a plea to the community:
"Stop setting children's play equipment on fire." – Rushden Fire Station
The Saffron Road play area, a cherished site for family outings in Higham Ferrers, now stands without one of its key attractions due to this latest act of vandalism. The incident underscores the vulnerability of public amenities to acts of arson and highlights the need for community vigilance.
