A community is rallying together to raise funds after a much-loved children’s play area was the subject of arson.
Ystrad Mynach Park will host a community fun day on Sunday August 6 after residents decided to take action in the wake of a fire at the popular park’.
Arsonists set fire to play equipment on Thursday June 29, causing around £35,000 worth of damage.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has said the affected equipment will be replaced, while a £1,000 reward has been offered for information about the fire which leads to a prosecution.
One 24-year-old mother was so perturbed by the arson that she decided to take matters into her own hands and set the wheels in motion for a feel-good fun day.
The event will include a fun fair, with rides, an ice-cream van and disco, and is being held between 10am and 7pm.
The event organiser, Rhiannon Stone, is a regular user of the park with her five-year-old son and hopes to raise £15,000 to supplement the successful insurance claim of £24,254.10.
Rhiannon, who works for Caerphilly Rugby Club, said: “I was brought up behind the park and know it well.
“I took my son down after the fire and he asked how long it would take to repair. The idea for the fundraiser just came to my head.
“I have put everything I can into it. I don’t like seeing children upset and future generations are going to be using this park.”
Caerphilly MP Wayne David pledged his support to the fundraising effort, adding: “Rhiannon Stone and other members of the community have made a tremendous effort to organise this fundraising event.
“Rhiannon has made a super human effort to contact the movers and shakers in the area and all the signs are that the fun day will really be a fun day.
“There will be rides, stalls and food, and the goal will be to raise as much money as possible for the children’s park. I really hope that people will come along and support this wonderful initiative.”
• A 15-year-old boy from the Rhymney area has been arrested in connection with the arson attack.
A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “On Thursday, July 20, we arrested a 15-year-old boy from Rhymney on suspicion of arson. He has been released under investigation.”
Anyone with information can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log number 557 20/06/17.