Blow for woodland revival as arsonists strike

The spate of attacks on Woodfield Quarry, off Woodfield Road in Balby, has been slammed as “mindless” by Doncaster Council after new fencing and picnic tables were destroyed by fire. Over several months, long-term unemployed people had worked hard to clean up rubbish, clear areas of overgrown woodland, forge a path around the quarry to allow wheelchair access and also put up new fences to improve safety.

The Intermediate Labour Market project had been deemed so successful that it was shortlisted as a finalist for this year’s MJ Local Government Achievement Awards, in the Public Prot- ection Achievement of the Year category.

The awards ceremony will be held in London next month.

Gavin Baldwin, Doncaster Council’s assistant director of communities, said: “A considerable amount of hard work and care has gone into rejuvenating this area and the transformation was already becoming visible. The work has been warmly welcomed by local people.

“Not only did it provide work opportunities and training skills for the unemployed, but it also aimed to create an area of interesting green space with ecological and biodiversity interest, as well as a safe environment for recreational use. It was hoped that the project would leave a positive lasting legacy for the community. It is disheartening that there are some people who feel the need to ruin all the good work. We will be making sure we are extra vigilant and that their mindless attacks do not continue.”

Anyone with information about the vandalism, which occurred on numerous occasions throughout April, is urged to call South Yorkshire Police’s Balby and Hexthorpe Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01302 385339.