Mayor slams 'senseless act of vandalism' after yobs set fire to Padiham park's prized bandstand

The Mayor of Padiham has hit out at vandals who started a fire on the bandstand in the town's Memorial Park.
By Susan Plunkett
Published 22nd Jan 2021, 12:30 BST
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Coun. Vince Pridden spoke out after the fire was set on the plinth of the bandstand. causing damage to the engraved centre stone.

He said: "I fail to understand how anyone could carry out such a senseless act of vandalism and have an utter lack of respect for what the park stands for.

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"There are many volunteers and organisations that look after the park and it seems that all their endeavours to keep the park up to the highest standard are constantly being under minded by senseless vandalism."

Padiham Memorial Park's bandstand which has been damaged after yobs lit a fire there.Padiham Memorial Park's bandstand which has been damaged after yobs lit a fire there.
Padiham Memorial Park's bandstand which has been damaged after yobs lit a fire there.

Staff from Burnley Council's parks department are meeting with a local stonemason to see what can be done to repair the damage which left the carved red rose on the centre stone charred.

Padiham town councillor Andy Tatchell is also due to meet with Simon Goff who is Head of Green Spaces and Amenities at Burnley Borough Council.

The bandstand was installed in the park in 2017 after being a landmark in Burnley town centre for decades.

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The Friends of Memorial Park group made a bid to bring the bandstand to the park to celebrate the centenary of the First World War. Both Padiham Town Council and Burnley Council were among a variety of organisations who donated towards funding the £30,000 re-location project. A Burnley Council engineer drew up designs for the re-installation of the bandstand and cash for the project also came from the Padiham Town Centre budget.

The fire caused damage to the ornamental centre stone on the bandstandThe fire caused damage to the ornamental centre stone on the bandstand
The fire caused damage to the ornamental centre stone on the bandstand

The Friends group also made bids to the Ward Opportunities Fund and the Hameldon Windfarm scheme.

The bandstand, which stood outside Mc Donald’s restaurant for several years, was moved as part of a major re-developement of the town centre. It is now sited on the area known as the dais, an outdoor stage area.

It was the focal point for the first ever Padiham Festival in August, 2019, attracting hundreds of visitors to the area to listen to a line up of local bands and DJs.

Memorial Park has been a holder of the prestigious Green Flag for several years. The Friends group works to promote and improve the park and recent achievements include opening a visitor centre.