Ex-mayor backs community fund

Former mayor Wynne Raymond has pledged his support to the Protect our Community Fund – citing Timaru's lack of vandalism as the reason.

"I travel the country a lot and other places the size of Timaru have a much bigger problem.

"We have isolated break outs but that's all."

He had offered a donation to the fund spearheaded by Dr Tracy Chandler after the Orbell Street slide was destroyed in an arson attack.

"Good old Tracy, here we are in an almost vandalism-free city and she is doing what she can to keep it that way, and encouraging the rest of the country to do the same."

The fund had nearly doubled in the past week from $750 to $1375, Dr Chandler said.

"The ASB Bank is offering a free account for the "Protect Our Community Fund" where any donations can be made at any ASB branch throughout New Zealand.

"The bank is also prepared to start this account with an opening deposit of $500."

The slide arson is being investigated by the police and a description had been released of a tall youth with dreadlocks to his waist leaving the scene.