Dismay as play park damaged by vandals

Earlier this month the park, which was funded with Big Lottery money, had to be closed because the area was declared unsafe after security fencing around a BT installation was torn down.

"Everyone was delighted when the park opened on Friday, October 15," said community co-ordinator, Martin McCartney, adding: "It was a great relief that, after four years of hard graft, that the committee of Maydown Community Association managed toget the revamped park open."

"Visitors to the park said this was one of the nicest parks they had, particularly due to the fact that it caters for all age groups from the very young to the older people in our community," he said, "So you can imagine how we felt when we discovered that within four hours of opening, vandalism had started. We are now asking everyone to take ownership of the park and take responsibility for its upkeep. "

With plans in the offing for a 'sow and grow' project in the raised garden area, Mr McCartney said the ongoing vandalism was giving cause for concern.

"When the park was opened we were hoping and felt confident that we would have no problems with our own youth in the Maydown Area. Unfortunately, however, this has not been the case and within four hours of the park opening we had three instances of graffiti on different play equipment. This was immediately removed, but there have been more instances of graffiti since on the phone booth, bus shelter and footpaths. One of the panels of the bus shelter has also been left with a large hole in it," he said.

Appealing for young people to respect the shared open space, he said the PSNI had been informed of the vandalism and he appealed to all residents to report any unacceptable behaviour.

Hard work

"A lot of hard work went into establishing this park and we would hate at this point to have to close it, however, if the graffiti continues we

feel we will have no choice. We have already had to close the park on November 13 and 14. This was unavoidable as Derry City Council declared it was unsafe after temporary fencing surrounding a BT owned area of the park was pulled down.

"Maydown Community Association would like to work with everyone in the area to make our park the best park within the Derry City Council Area.

We are appealing especially to all young people to make this a success and ask for their co-operation and support," he said.

In particular he appealed for young people not to walk on the raised gardens and please do not remove the

stones or soil from these and throw it around the play equipment, and urged park users to respect the play equipment and leave the park when requested at closing times.

"Giving keyholders grief and hurling insults at them is not an acceptable way to behave," he said.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: "Police are aware of a couple of incidents of criminal damage in the area, including some graffiti at the playpark – fortunately this was able to be cleaned off so no permanent damage was caused. The Neighbourhood Officer for the area has spoken three youths regarding their behaviour."