YOU report that the recent fire at the Haxby Co-op was deliberate and that the damage is about £25,000 (August 14). This is the third instance of arson in Haxby in as many weeks and is reminiscent of the attempt to burn down the scout hut some months ago.

Unless these activities are stopped someone will be killed or injured.

The first of the present cases was at the end of July. The slide in the toddlers play area at Haxby was burnt down and the safety surface below was severely damaged. The replacement costs will be almost £10,000, all of which will have to be found by Haxby Town Council from the extra council tax which Haxby residents pay.

If this damage had been caused to an inner York play area, the costs would have been met from the general council tax to which Haxby residents contribute. A sort of 'double rating'.

Ken Holdsworth,

Usher Park Road,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 10:30 Monday, August 20, 2001