Arsonists caused at least £100,000 damage during a wrecking spree at one of Shropshire’s most famous tourist attractions.The fire was started at the Hermitage Folly at Hawkstone Park and Follies, near Market Drayton, on Saturday, and raged throughout the night.
An outbuilding, which is used as an information centre, was completely destroyed.
Yobs also vandalised the park’s reception area and shop, and set fire to a wooden footbridge and park bench within the follies.
Firefighters worked into the night tackling the blaze and a hunt has since been launched for the culprits.
Sub-Officer Steve Palin, from Hodnet, said his team worked for about four hours on Saturday night, before returning yesterday morning to find the roof had caved in and the building and its contents were completely gutted by the fire.
“It was a sandstone building with all the history of the follies.
“It had a thatched roof and the fire has destroyed all that and about 100m of undergrowth,” he said.
He added: “It was right on the side of a cliff face and it was not safe for us to be working there in the dark so we went back the next day and it was completely destroyed by then.
“It’s a small building. They have just built on the site and it’s about the size of a kitchen, with a bit of woodland around it. It was smouldering all night and by yesterday the roof had collapsed.”
Detective Inspector Michael Homden, of Shrewsbury CID, said: “I would urge anyone who saw people or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area, perhaps running or driving off at speed, to please contact police on 08457 444888.
“A huge amount of damage has been caused to the premises, estimated to be at least £100,000.
“If you have information but do not feel comfortable talking to police, they are asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, where a reward is sometimes offered for information.”
Hawkstone Park is famous for its historic “woodland fantasy” of caves, grotto and follies for visitors to explore. It is also popular with climbers and walkers.
Officials at Hawkstone Park today declined to comment.
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13 Comments
Nice to know that one of the nicest tourist attractions in Shropshire has no security employees guarding the place at night isn’t it?
Or if it does,then it’s time to give them their P45’s.
lets hope someone out there shops these little scumbags then make them work at this tourist spot every weekend for five years that might just learn them a lesson,plus still fined them for the damage job done.
I think they should bring back the way things used to be if u did something wrong u got a clip round the ear from the local bobby and bring back the cane in schools things were never this bad way back, take heed Mr Brown
Well done Betsy, good idea.
With all the CCTV stuff about, why does no-one get caught?
Punishment seems to limited to “don’t do it again” instead of - as you suggest, 5 years of unpaid weekends. I am sure there would be plenty of weeding, fence painting ot litter collecting, would do a lot more to instil some appreciation of all the hard work they have destroyed.
I feel sorry for those who have to “grin and bear it”, - and wait for the next time.
i have said it before find them and stick them against the wall. they will only learn after it is too late
besty,
Don’t be silly, our legal system will make them out to be the victims, if they’re caught they’ll get a holiday or go-cart lessons.
It is a war on yobs which is needed as they are part of the terror !!!
“Simon said: Mar 3rd, 2008 at 12:26 pm Nice to know that one of the nicest tourist attractions in Shropshire has no security employees guarding the place at night isn’t it?
Or if it does,then it’s time to give them their P45’s.”
Either their P45s or their P90s…
Dont’t blaim the security guards: blame the yobs who did it.
And bring back the birch!
Hawkstone near Market drayton?
funny I always thought it was near Wem, maybe it moved.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE LAST PLACES WE WENT TO BEFORE MOVING TO OZ,WHAT A SHAME THAT KIDS TODAY HAVE NO MORALS AND THAT THEIR PARENTS NEAVER NO WHERE THE LITTLE DARLINGS ARE AT NIGHT!
I agree with Yvonne totally,the trouble with this country now is that discipline has gone and we are far too soft and lenient !!
I am devastated by this senseless act of vandalism to this unique attraction. Hawkstone park has always entranced my family every time we have visited it particularly when the rhododendrons are out-its a peaceful spiritual place full of natural magic and mysterious follies. I can only say that the sad individuals who did this are as pointless as the damage they caused.