Around £3,000 damaged caused by weekend arson attack

(Date of issue: Wednesday, 19 August 2009)

Carlisle City Council is in the process of replacing four city centre litter bins destroyed last Sunday (16 August) following a series of arson attacks.

Around £3,000 damage was caused. The Scotch Street bins were set on fire at different times between approximately midnight and 3.45am and resulted in the Fire Service attending on a number of occasions.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure, said:

"The arson attack caused a considerable amount of damage and will cost the taxpayer around £3,000 to rectify. This kind of action will not be tolerated and we have been working closely with the Police. We will replace the damaged bins as quickly as we can."

Four temporary bins have been installed until new steel bins are put in place. 

A 17-year old male from Carlisle has been arrested on suspicion of arson.

Enquiries are continuing into the incident. Anyone with any information about to this matter is asked to make contact with Cumbria Police on 0845 3300247.