Derbyshire Wildlife Trust issues statement about repair work at arson-hit beauty spot near Chesterfield

A group of young people started a fire at the Avenue Washlands in Wingerworth earlier in the summer.

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Some 40m of boardwalk, fishing platforms and fencing were destroyed.

After the crime, Kate Lemon, regional manager for DWT, said: “The damage caused is considerable and is estimated to cost around £15,000 to repair.”

DWT volunteers launched an online fundraising appeal to help rebuild the site.

It started with a goal of £1,000 and has so far brought in more than £5,000.

The Derbyshire Times this week asked DWT when the repairs will be carried out at the site.

Jennifer Slade, a living landscapes assistant at DWT, said: “Unfortunately we still have no exact date as of yet.

“However, please be reassured that efforts are still very much underway regarding sourcing contractors to remove and replace the boardwalk and is very much dependant on ecological assessments, and how quickly we can source the material and secure clean-up and installation dates.

“An update to the funding and progress will be provided very soon.”

Last month, Derbyshire Constabulary revealed three teenagers had been referred to the Derbyshire Youth Offending Service after the arson attack on June 5 – which appalled people of Chesterfield.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council, which is responsible for the Derbyshire Youth Offending Service, said it works with young people involved in offences ‘to seek to prevent them from committing crimes in the future’.

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