A POLICE enquiry is still ongoing to find those responsible for the devastating fire which destroyed a local support group’s Dumbarton base.

The community were left stunned after the blaze tore through the Havoc Park leisure and recreation facility in the early hours of Friday, May 18.

With cops believing the fire was started deliberately, Police Scotland have confirmed forensic examinations of recovered items are being carried out, but that there are no suspects at this time.

A council representative has said there are no plans for the site’s future as yet after the building had to be demolished due to the extent of the damage.

West Dunbartonshire Work Connect lost equipment worth thousands of pounds in the fire, including cameras, bikes and gardening materials.

The group had been using the Havoc Pavilion while work was taking place at their Levengrove Park base.

The incident touched the hearts of many residents in the community, who kindly donated items to help get the group up and running again as quickly as possible.

And after a £20,000 cash injection from the council’s prudential reserve to replenish equipment such as work tools, computers, stationery and games, Work Connect are back in business, with the Bruce Centre at Dumbarton Joint Hospital serving as an office base, as well as a space to provide breakfast club, photography group, arts and crafts and quiet Fridays for users with Autism.

The Bothy at Dalmuir Park in Clydebank is hosting horticultural activities.

Councillor Marie McNair, chair of the West Dunbartonshire health and social care partnership, commended the public’s generosity.

She said: “The reaction from the public, who really rallied together, shows how much they value the service Work Connect provides, so we were more than happy to help.

This fire was a callous act but it hasn’t stopped Work Connect doing what they do best.

“We are delighted to see smiling faces at West Dunbartonshire Work Connect and even happier that money donated by the council has helped them buy in essential items to allow them to continue with their service.”