A BLAZE started deliberately at The Moor at the weekend has been branded ‘absolutely disgraceful’ by outraged councillors.

On Saturday, October 8 just before 8.30pm, firefighters were called to the fire, which had been started on a bench on the playground- which is currently closed for refurbishment.

Councillors are now considering plans to bid for increased security at the site in the form of more or improved CCTV or better lighting of the area.

“I was absolutely staggered,” said Cllr Jonathan Farber. “They had set fire to the plastic bench so that must have taken some doing. It was awful.

“It’s disgusting behaviour and it’s unforgiveable.

“It’s going to take a broader approach from the police, and people have got to be on guard. I don’t think CCTV is the answer- lighting is a better way. We need more visibility so that more people can see what’s going on there.”

The fire caused around £500 of damage, and at a town council meeting on Monday, October 10, Lisa Benskin, deputy town clerk told members that it was ‘unclear’ at this time if it will be replaced.

“The Friends of the Moor have been reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour to the police and are waiting to hear back about what they have managed to achieve,” said Debbie.

“This is the second time that the fire brigade have been called to the Moor in the last two weeks.

“The police have asked if we will please apply for more CCTV. I would want complete assurance that if we had additional CCTV footage they would make an arrest.”

Debbie said that the cost of additional CCTV, and the time that it would take the volunteers to complete the administration for more security cameras does not equate to the amount of damage that the park accumulates.

However, Cllr James Power, who works as a Knutsford Town Council representative with Friends of the Moor, thinks that improving the way in which it is used could resolve the issues of anti-social behaviour.

He said: “We do need to look at the way CCTV is used in this area to make sure it is effective and this will be discussed at full council, but this kind of incident shows we need to do more to provide safe spaces for residents of all ages to use.”

Friends of the Moor, along with Knutsford Town Council are urging people to report any suspicious activity to Cheshire Police on 101.