MODEL boat club enthusiasts have been left devastated after arsonists wrecked their brand new jetty in Mary Stevens Park.

Stourbridge Model Boat Club members had only recently celebrated the relaunch of the facility at the recently-restored Heath Pool, which has been given a complete makeover as part of a multi-million pound Lottery-funded park revamp.

The incident is believed to be the latest in a string of vandalism attacks at the picturesque Norton park which just weeks ago celebrated the end of the restoration works to give a new lease of life to the bandstand, lake, bowls pavilion and war memorial.

Bob Hutton, a member of the model boat club committee, said the damaged jetty was a “beautiful structure with a steel fence around it” and he added: “It’s a lovely setting in the trees, perfect for our boats. We couldn’t have wished for better.”

But the new jetty, which has only been in use for the last five or six weeks, was set alight on Saturday night and members of the model boat club say they are gutted at the devastation caused.

Stourbridge News:

Mr Hutton told the News: “Everyone’s just appalled – and it’s not the only fire; there’s been three others.”

The bowling green, children’s playground and some bushes in the park have also reportedly been targeted by vandals.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Dudley's cabinet member for environmental services, is urging park users to be vigilant and report any criminal activity to the police.

She added: “It’s extremely frustrating and disappointing when mindless vandals damage any of our fantastic parks.

"We’ve carried out a temporary repair so the jetty is safe to use and have reported the matter to the police."

The council is now sourcing estimates for the cost of a permanent repair and boat club members are hoping someone will come forward with information that could help to identify whoever was responsible for damaging the jetty.

The club, which meets for sailing outings every Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, has been going strong for 16 years and boasts nearly 40 members – and Mr Hutton said: “It’s very, very popular with the public.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crimestoppers (anonymously) by calling 0800 555111.