Councillors hit out at Moyle vandals

At a recent meeting of Moyle District Council, members were told of a number of incidents of criminal damage throughout the area from 7 June until 30 July.

These included:

* The burning of fence boards at Waterfoot Car Park causing 60 worth of damage

* The burning of a lifebelt and its housing at Ballycastle beach causing 160 worth of damage

* The burning of a picnic table and fencing at Legg Green, Cushendall causing 300 worth of damage

* Extensive damage caused to the men’s toilets at the Exhibition Centre, toilets at the harbour and the women’s toilets at Quay Road Playing Fields, Ballycastle with a combined cost of 600 to repair

* A broken window at the tennis pavilion in Ballycastle which cost 60 to repair

* Damage to the dugouts at Quay Road Playing Fields causing 50 worth of damage

Councillor Cathal Newcombe said: “There seems to be attacks on life-saving equipment month on month, is there nothing can be done to safeguard this equipment?”

Cllr Newcombe suggested solar-powered sirens be fitted which would sound if the equipment was tampered with or missing from its housing.

Council officer Aidan McPeake - Head of Technical Services at Moyle District Council - said the equipment was regularly inspected by staff ensuring any vandalism is swiftly addressed.

Cllr Paudie McShane said: “It takes a special type of fool to burn a lifebelt on a beach.”

He said he was concerned by the geographical spread of the incidents.

He also suggested gates be fitted over the dugouts at Quay Road Playing Fields in order to curb drinking and vandalism at the facilities.

Mr McPeake said: “I think it would cost about 250 to put gates across the dugouts but I think it would be worthwhile.”

“That should be done right away,” said Cllr McShane.

Cllr Robert McIlroy asked what could be done to cut down levels of vandalism in public toilets in the district.

Mr McPeak said the incidents had occurred after council requested the opening hours of the facilities be extended in the evenings.

Following the attacks the decision was taken to revert back to the original opening hours, with no more vandalism reported since.