YOUNGSTERS will soon be able to use a play area, in Harwich, which was destroyed by arsonists.

A wooden pirate ship worth about £10,000 went up in flames early last month at the play area, in Stour Road, which is owned and maintained by Tendring Council.

The council has been gathering quotes for replacing the equipment and then there will be a short lead in time before the installation takes place.

Michael Talbot, Tendring Council's cabinet member for environment, said that the council is moving as quickly as it can to ensure youngsters living in that part of the town are not deprived of the equipment any longer than necessary.

“We are now just waiting for one final quote to be received from a company and then we will make a decision over which we will purchase,” he said.

“There will then be a lead in period of about two to three weeks and the site will be restored to its full quota of play items.”