A LOCAL company has helped a Cwmbran farm to continue to operate its adventure playground after “mindless” vandals torched half of the facility.

The tyre swing, wooden bridge and shelter at Greenmeadow Community Farm have all been gutted by the blaze, which police are treating as deliberate.

The farm’s director, Sally Partridge said that staff were devastated after making the discovery last Thursday morning.

The sold wood structure, which had been in place for around 15 years, would cost around £20,000 to replace.

Visiting the farm at the weekend, company Made 2 Measure built a staircase so children could still access the remaining parts of the play facility.

The leader of Torfaen council, Councillor Bob Wellington, said: ‘“Once again I am left shocked and saddened by a mindless act of vandalism which achieves nothing except the loss of children’s play facilities at one of the borough’s favourite attractions.

“Thankfully, the swift response from Made 2 Measure and the messages of support from local people demonstrates the wonderful community spirit, kindness and generosity which still exists.”

Commercial manager Kate Holly described the incident as a “real shame” following the attractions lovely summer with up to 400 visitors per day.

But it is business as usual at the 120 acres of land on Greenforge Way.

A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said Cwmbran and New Inn crews were called to the playground at 8.08am last Thursday.

Fans of the farm took to social media to express their disgust.

One user wrote: “This mindless vandalism won’t stop me from coming up on the weekend.”

Another said: “Disgusting! I hope you can get it back to its former glory.”

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said the equipment was set alight at some point between 6pm on Wednesday and 7.20am on Thursday.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote log number 99 4/9/14.