Community Devastated After Fire Destroys Par Track Facility

The team at Par Track in Cornwall are appealing for help after a deliberate fire on the night of 31st October caused tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to their athletics facility.

“A senseless act”

The blaze destroyed the high jump bed and metal cover and scorched the track surface, leaving the community heartbroken. “It’s deeply upsetting that a small group of mindless individuals are intent on destroying what so many people work tirelessly to maintain,” the Par Track team said.

Par Track described the site as a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities, where “friendships are formed, confidence grows, and the community comes together.”

The incident has also had a major impact on Newquay and Par Athletics Club, whose athletes train at the track weekly and rely on the high jump facility for their development.

Rebuilding after the damage

The Par Track team said they are determined to rebuild and restore the facility “to a facility our community can be proud of.” They are currently working with police and insurers but expect to face significant shortfalls.

Funds raised will go towards replacing the high jump bed and cover, repairing the damaged track surface, covering insurance shortfalls and excesses, and improving site security and CCTV to help prevent future vandalism.

So far, the fundraiser has raised more than £600 towards the recovery effort. Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/help-restore-par-track-after-devastating-fire.

Police investigation underway

Police are investigating the incident under crime reference 50250281695.

A statement from St Austell Police said they suspect “the offender(s) was from a small group of young people who we are aware of causing ASB in the area.” They added that while officers were patrolling Par during the evening, they also had to cover other towns and villages in the area.

“It is the responsibility of those offenders and their parents or guardians to have respect for the community which they live in,” police said. “Parents also need to take responsibility for their children’s actions and be aware of who they associate with and where they are.”

Officers confirmed they will be seeking a court prosecution for any identified offenders and supporting a compensation claim. This could result in offenders and their appropriate adults paying thousands of pounds towards the repair of the track.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or via 101 quoting crime reference 50250281695.