The much-loved play equipment in Lesnes Abbey Woods which was burnt to the ground by vandals will be replaced after the council approved funding.

Bexley residents were shocked by the act of 'mindless vandalism' when the arsonists, who were never caught, set the play equipment alight on June 9.

Police in Thamesmead launched an appeal in a bid to trace a group of five boys and four girls aged 14-16 in connection with the arson.

Today Bexley councillor Peter Craske, cabinet member for community safety, environment and leisure, confirmed that the former lottery funded play equipment will be replaced.

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The fire in Lesnes Abbey Woods in June.

Costing around £102,000 the new equipment which is currently being manufactured in France should be installed by mid-October.

Mr Craske told News Shopper: "We have a council budget for repairing playground equipment and we have funded it from the existing budget.

"We're going to replace it, make sure it's as good as it was before. It's an important thing to do because of what happened."

Mr Craske added: "In an ideal world this would never happen.

"It's a pity, it's really disappointing for all the people who use it that these vandals have damaged the equipment, but we're trying to get it replaced to a good standard.

"It's absolutely right to replace it, otherwise the arsonists win.

"We look forward to opening it and getting it back up and running."

After the attack just before the start of the summer holidays Bexley residents spoke of their disappointment over losing one of the borough's most popular playgrounds.

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Bexley resident Claire Crossingham and daughter Saskia, 5, used to enjoy using the park.

Lesnes Abbey ward councillor and Belvedere resident, Danny Hackett, said he was pleased by the council's committment to replace the equipment, but disappointed by the length of time it has taken.

The Labour councillor told News Shopper: "This is one of the most popular parks in the borough that's going to be out of action for the entire summer period.

"We are grateful that the council has found the money and pushed ahead but disappointed that nothing has happened sooner."

Mr Hackett questioned whether more could be done to protect the parks from vandals overnight.

He suggested the possibility of a community warden type scheme and stressed the importance of educating youngsters from an early age in a bid to crack down on vandalism in the borough.

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The equipment is set to be replace in October.