Second arson attack at the Park

An arson attack has destroyed a well-used community facility at the Park for the second time  – which may not be replaced.

The centre in Daventry Road has one of the only Parkour arenas in the south-west which was used by hundreds of people across the area It has now been devastated and is unsafe to use. Parkour involves moving rapidly through an environment and negotiating obstacles by running, jumping and climbing.

It is thought that the blaze was started deliberately and it has ruined at least a quarter of the rubber surface. This is the second time the facility has been attacked – it was set on fire two years ago.

Centre Manager at the Park Emma Hinton told the Knowledge today they were still trying to deal with insurers.

She said: “It’s so frustrating and disappointing for us and the people that use it. We don’t know if we are going to be able to replace it as it’s the second time it has happened. If we replace like for like, there is a strong possibility it will happen again and we don’t know if our insurers will insure us.

“It’s a very small minority that have done it – the majority of people who use it from the community and further afield love it and respect it and want it there.

“They have to have put an accelerant down because it’s fire resistant flooring, it’s the same as they used last time. It’s a larger area than before and it’s the flooring that is so expensive. Last time it cost £20,000 to replace and this time will be more.”

A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: “We had a call at 16.59 on Tuesday, August 11 to a play area in Daventry Road, Knowle.

“Rubber matting was affected by fire. One crew attended from Bedminster and the cause is thought to be deliberate. We have informed the police.”