Stratford resident says neighbours feel vulnerable after early morning fire near their homes
ELDERLY residents have been left in a state of shock after their community library was set ablaze.
The cabinet, which had been filled with books for people to swap, read and return, was placed on the green space on Baker Avenue, Stratford. But it was destroyed by fire at about 3am last Thursday (11th July).
The library is said to be popular with pensioners and school pupils, but the senseless act, which reduced the cabinet and books to a pile of ash, has left people anxious.
One resident, who asked not to be named, told the Herald: “It was an arson attack on the outside little library at the community garden.
“Books, flowers and items for the local community were destroyed by a person who wandered round the area for some time in the early hours before setting light to the cabinet, which was adjacent to parked cars. Luckily the cars weren’t damaged.
“Fire and police attended but no one has asked residents in nearby flats who have CCTV of the offender, although it was dark and in the early hours.”
The resident claimed the person captured on CCTV was male.
She added that the events of that morning have left people feeling vulnerable because whoever destroyed the library had been hanging around while people slept in their homes.
“Our little library was used constantly, and I feel sad this has happened,” she said. “The community garden is a nice area where people can pick strawberries, apples and enjoy the plants which are looked after by a volunteer gardener.
“Our library has been burnt to the ground now and we don’t know if there’s enough money to make another one.”
