£70k play tower damaged beyond repair by fire

A newly opened children's play tower in Chantry Park, Ipswich, will need a full replacement after being destroyed by a fire just months after its launch. The structure, designed for children up to 14 years old, was inaugurated by the borough council shortly before the August bank holiday.

The blaze, which Suffolk Police are aware of, inflicted "irreparable damage" not only to the play tower but also to the surrounding blue surface intended to resemble a lake. The damaged structure has since been cleared, and the area has been cordoned off while a new installation is prepared. The replacement is expected to cost around 70,000 and take several weeks to complete.

"We are acting swiftly to restore the play area," said Lucy Trenchard, Ipswich Borough Councils portfolio holder for parks and climate change. "It was a joy to open a creative space for children earlier this year, and it is upsetting that part of it has been destroyed."

The remaining sections of the play area have been professionally cleaned and thoroughly inspected, and they have reopened after being deemed safe for children to use.

Author: Maya Henderson