The play area at the corner of South Oak Lane and Gravel Lane was subject to an arson attack on Tuesday, 3rd May.
Witnesses stated that at around 6:30pm, the basket swing was set on fire by two or three teenagers. The fire brigade attended the site, put the fire out and safely removed the remains of the basket swing.
Jonathan Cundall, who represents Friends of the Pleasure, a group of local residents who have campaigned and raised funds for the improvements at the play area, told me:
"Fortunately no one was hurt, but I know there will be plenty of disappointed children in the area. We understand that the position of Cheshire East Council is, if we can't identify the person(s) responsible then there is little hope of getting the swing replaced as there is no guarantee that the perpetrators won't just do it again.
"However if we can identify the persons involved and there is a possibility that the Police can take legal action, then there is a small chance of getting a new swing (even though there is no money in the budgets for replacements).
"We have been very well supported by Cheshire East Council on this project and understand that their funds are limited, however we feel that it is important to local children that they are not disadvantaged by the acts of a mindless minority.
"Can I therefore ask you to speak to everyone you know about this, so we can get the persons responsible brought to justice and get the greatly appreciated swing replaced."
"The police have a lead on who was involved but if you witnessed anything, or saw anyone acting is a suspicious manner, please can you advise me or the police."
The basket swing was only installed at the beginning of March when, as part of the Playbuilder programme, work to improve the South Oak play area took place. In addition to the basket swing, a climbing net, a supernova, a springy and a spinner were installed at a cost £23,000.
The second stage of the project is due to start shortly and will include adding climbing blocks, a multi-unit for toddlers and a balance trail. This second part is being funded by WREN to the tune of £15,000.
Councillor Gary Barton said "These deplorable acts of vandalism cannot be tolerated in Wilmslow. It makes me more sad as this is an area of public land that I have used many, many times when I was younger.
"It is news that angers me, as I am sure it will anger everyone who lives in Wilmslow. It is incidents such as these, as well as more serious violent and drug crimes, that reinforce my desire for the new Wilmslow Town Council to examine the possibility of funding new PCSOs for Wilmslow. PCSOs play an important role in preventing crime and in catching those responsible.
"Sadly, all too often the offenders in such cases go unpunished, but that does not mean that we should on give up on our efforts to provide excellent recreational facilities to local residents of all ages. Cheshire East's resources are not unlimited, but the Town Council will have extra money to support repairs to local facilities."
Anyone with information about this incident should contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or pass information anonymously using the Crimestoppers number - 0800 555 111.
Photos: The basket swing at South Oak play area both after and before it was attacked by vandals.
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However it appears that the swing has now been replaced. Well done to Cheshire East for acting so quickly. Lets hope that the police can now take appropriate action against the offenders.