THE police response to calls about a play area being torched has come under scrutiny as it to comes to light the vandalism caused about £20,000 of damage.

Residents’ calls to police came when a fire was lit on the play area’s surface.

It came after travellers illegally moved on to Paddock Way Playing Field on Sunday, August 21.

Petersfield Town Council grounds chairman Lesley Farrow said: “I can’t understand the response from the police.

“They were very supportive at the start but provided no response to calls when the play area was set on fire.”

The play area was upgraded only in May. As well as the basketball court arson, nine semi-mature trees were snapped.

Council grounds manager Dave Cole added: “It is heart breaking to see such vandalism caused in a matter of a few days.

“Every effort is being made to put the area back to some normality so the public space can be used again.”

The damage amounts to about £20,000, added the council.

The travellers eventually left late on Thursday, August 25, after the council served them a crown court notice to quit.

The council has since contacted Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones in regard to the police response on the basis the fire could have endangered lives.

In response, the commissioner said: “New powers under the Public Order Act require certain criteria to be met.

“The legislation uses the wording “significant impact” which I am sure you would agree is somewhat ambiguous.

“The decision to use these powers is an operational one and I would expect officers to review this daily and take action where needed.

“I would urge residents to log all incidents linked to these encampments to the police such as criminal damage, driving offences or verbal abuse.

“The reports will allow police to consider action under the Section 61 powers.”