Fires lit and surfaces destroyed at Larne and Carrickfergus play areas

Safety surfacing has been destroyed at Millbrook play area in Larne and fires lit at Windmill play area in Carrickfergus.

In Ballymena, a polytunnel belonging to The Base charity has again been destroyed in The People’s Park, while members of the public have reported being verbally abused while enjoying the park in recent weeks. Similar damage has been caused to a polytunnel at Harryville Community Garden.

Last weekend, police came under attack from stone-throwing youths as they responded to anti-social behaviour in Carrickfergus. Read here

Mid and East Antrim Council revealed last month that vandalism had cost £14,000 during the summer months, with play parks, public toilets and walking paths among the community facilities attacked

The Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston, has renewed his appeal for the public to work with council and the PSNI to tackle the issue.

He said: “It is extremely disappointing that, despite council announcing the really positive news that £400,000 has been set aside to develop vibrant new play areas for our children, a small minority continues to attack the facilities in their own communities.

“We are appealing again to everyone to help us protect and invest in our borough, so that we have facilities and services which will positively impact on the health and wellbeing of our children.

“I would ask parents to keep an eye on where their children are and what they are doing, and for the wider community to report any incidents of vandalism or anti-social behaviour to the PSNI.

“We have so many wonderful outdoor facilities in our borough, and it is up to everyone to play their part in looking after them.”

Information on any of these incidents can be passed to the PSNI by contacting 101. Calls can also be made to the confidential Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Read also council plans for new parks here

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