The torched tower slide at Lesnes Abbey Woods play area has finally re-opened, over five months after vandals reduced it to a charred wreck.

Children were left without the popular climbing frame throughout the summer months - after it was burned down in the evening of June 9.

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Thamesmead Police tweeted this picture and an appeal for information about the arsonists

Bexley Council officially opened a new, fire-resistant tall slide yesterday (November 27).

The second, smaller tower was able to be repaired.

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The new slide and climbing frame

Cabinet member for community safety, environment and leisure Coun Peter Craske said: "Following widespread public concern at the loss of this popular piece of play equipment we are delighted to be able to re-open the Tower Slide.

"It was important to us that the local community didn't lose out due to the thoughtless actions of arsonists.

"I'd like to thank local people for their support and interest in maintaining the play area."

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Claire Crossingham and daughter Saskia, five, were upset by the closure of the park 

Back in the summer, Lesnes Abbey ward councillor Danny Hackett described the arson as a "disgusting act of vandalism".

He said: "It's just such a shame - it's a very well used, well loved park in quite a deprived part of Bexley.

"It seems to almost be that people take away from the people who are the least fortunate, that's why it's so depressing."

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The council ask that residents who spot suspicious activity or metal detecting report it to the police - and email the crime reference number to parksandopenspaces@bexley.gov.uk

The wider Lesnes Abbey Woods enhancement project, which includes landscaping in the Monk's Garden, London Skyline Viewing Point and Fossil Bed, should be finished next summer.

The new Lesnes Lodge building will open in the spring, with more detail on the ancient human remains unearthed during construction.

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