Supected arson as fire claims bandstand in Queen's Park

Photo: David England

Queen's Park Bandstand

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A fire that took over four hours to battle claimed the open-air theatre/bandstand at Queen’s Park in Heywood at 6.35pm on Monday (6 February) in a suspected arson attack.

It is believed accelerant was ignited after being placed under the door.

Two fire engines from Rochdale and Middleton were in attendance for over four hours and extinguished a storeroom fire within the bandstand.

Events organiser for the Friends of Queen’s Park, Lol Richardson, said: “We’ve had very little trouble in the park over the last ten years, so The Friends Group are devastated that this has happened.

“We’ve been told the building is unsafe as Greater Manchester Fire had to cut a hole in the roof to let smoke out after smashing their way in.

“The park is well-used and well-liked by the community and it’s upset events for the rest of the year but we’ll do our best to work around it. We try and hold a couple of events every month like brass bands on Sunday and Link4Life and Step Out For Stroke use it too.”

The open-air theatre has been taped off and secured by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed the fire is being investigated as arson.