Appeal after arsonists start deliberate fires set in Bridgnorth wheelie bins

The town's fire station said they were called out in successive Saturdays after wheelie bins were removed from a property in the Richmond Gardens in the Crown Meadow area of the town, where the town's AFC Bridgnorth football team play, and set them alight on the meadow.

Then a week later on last Saturday, the fire service were called out to an identical fire on the meadow.

A spokesperson for Bridgnorth Fire Station said: ”Last Saturday evening around 7pm we attended a Wheelie Bin fire which had been deliberately set, on the Crown Meadow.

“Then again on Saturday, February 15, we attended another incident of identical fashion.

“These bins had been removed from their owners, moved onto the meadow and set alight. Clearly these actions are irresponsible, dangerous and illegal.

“These incidents: cause distress, upset and frustration to the owners who are now having to sort out replacements.

“It also costs the taxpayer to replace the bin, as well as paying for the fire service to attend.

“It also takes vital fire and rescue service resources away from other emergencies which could involve a life threatening incident.

“It is dangerous to whoever is setting these fires as they could injure themselves or others as the contents of the bin could include aerosol cans which could explode.”

The spokesperson added that  if anybody knows who is responsible to contact 101.

“You will be doing them a favour before it escalates to setting other things on fire,” the spokesperson added.

One of the victim's of the arsonists said: "Last Saturday we had our bin taken and set alight on the Crown Meadow, needing attention from the fire brigade. 

"The remainders were then found by the kids football team who were playing on the pitch on Sunday morning. Last night it happened to a neighbour….again the fire brigade needing to attend. 

"What the hell is wrong with people? We have elderly and vulnerable people living on our road and while it may seem hilarious to the idiots who did it, it is dangerous, taking an emergency service away from other jobs and is causing distress. Really upsetting to see this happening. If anyone knows who is responsible please tell them to grow up." 

West Mercia Police said they were investigating.