A TEENAGER has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire that badly damaged the decorative balustrade in Belle Vue park.

Police say a 16-year-old boy has been taken into custody on suspicion of causing arson.

Emergency services were called to the scene outside the Parc Pantry tea rooms in Belle Vue park at around 9.45pm on Thursday night. 

On the same night, just metres away, three Newport City Council pickup trucks were set alight on Stow Park Avenue.

Joshua Gardner, 27, from the Friends of Newport’s Ornamental Parks, said he heard a commotion in the night while staying at his mother’s house across the road but was not sure what it was at the time.

He said: “When I saw the photos this morning, I couldn’t believe it. I don’t know why anyone would do it – it seems a bit like they’ve not thought why.

“It’s one of those horrible acts of vandalism. It’s sad because it’s a really nice park and lots of people have done lots of work to make it nice. Then someone does that and destroys it all.”

Matt Ellis, 33, from Bettws, who co-runs Parc Pantry, says trade could suffer as a result of the incident and police enquiries.

He said: “It’s a massive shame because it’s one of Newport’s most picturesque areas and parks. It’s a real shame that people would want to do this to something looked after by so many.

“Since we’ve been there, we can honestly say there’s been very few issues – it’s a very family [friendly] place.

“It’s just ruining it for everyone when we see these sort of things happening.”

Mr Ellis said he remained committed to shining a light on the positivity in the city, rather than a negative incident like this, but would welcome extra security measures by the council.

He added: “I think we have to be mindful – we’re in a public place and we’re always very vigilant.

“We would always welcome extra attention being put in the parks but we realise how difficult that is given the current climate and the nature and timing of this happening."

Newport council's cabinet member for streets and city services Cllr Deb Davies said: “I absolutely condemn this mindless vandalism in one of our historic parks which is such a wonderful amenity for residents.

“Not only are the people responsible costing the council and taxpayers unnecessary expense, but their actions were dangerous and potentially put lives at risk.

“I would urge anyone with information on either of these incidents to contact the police.”