At ESP Play, we were truly delighted to step in and support our local community by replacing the fire-damaged play equipment in Towneley Park. When we learned about the unfortunate incident that left the log in Barwise play area beyond repair, we knew we had to take action to ensure that children in our community could continue to enjoy a safe and vibrant outdoor play space.

Councillor Jack Launer of Burnley Council expressed gratitude, stating, “It’s very generous of ESP Play to step in and replace this equipment. I’m sure all the children and parents who visit the play area will be very grateful to them. It shows a real community spirit and kind-heartedness; in stark contrast to whoever was responsible for setting fire to the equipment.”

As a company committed to promoting the physical and mental well-being of children through access to high-quality playgrounds, it was disheartening to see deliberate damage to such a vital recreational area. We believe that outdoor play is essential for children’s development, and it’s upsetting to witness dwindling play provision in some areas compounded by acts of vandalism.

Andrew Wood, MD of ESP Play, emphasised the importance of providing safe and high-quality playgrounds for children’s physical and mental health.
Andrew said, “At ESP Play we are striving, on a daily basis, to ensure children have access to safe, high quality playgrounds, something which is vital to their physical and mental health and development.

“With outdoor play provision dwindling in some areas of the country, it's very upsetting to see deliberate damage to playgrounds making the situation even worse. We were fortunately in a position to be able to help the Friends of Towneley Park and, as a Burnley business with our roots in the community, we were very happy to help local children have access to outdoor play once again.”

A spokesperson for the Friends of Towneley Park said: “When the fire damage occurred, we were really sad and didn’t know how we would raise the funds to repair it, but out of the blue ESP Play came to our rescue.

“We initially thought their offer was too good to be true, but they absolutely exceeded all our expectations. From start to finish they were an absolute delight to deal with. We cannot thank them enough. How heartwarming that a local company has gone out of its way to support the local community.”