Permanent removal of damaged Five Apples sculptures from People’s Park, Ballymena
The popular ‘Five Apples’ sculptures in the People’s Park, Ballymena are to be permanently removed after a ‘significant’ act of vandalism left them too damaged to be safely restored, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has said.
It follows an incident during the summer when three of the public art features were forcibly broken from their plinths and rolled down the hillside, causing extensive damage and creating a potential risk to public safety.
Following the incident, council officers carried out a detailed inspection of the sculptures and their fixings.
The assessment has now concluded that the structures were no longer stable and could not be safely reinstalled.
A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, the apple sculptures in People’s Park sustained significant damage as a result of a serious act of vandalism. Following a thorough inspection, it was determined that the sculptures were no longer structurally sound or suitable for reinstatement. As public safety is our priority, the decision was taken to remove them permanently.
“While there are currently no plans to repair or replace the damaged sculptures, council officers are exploring a range of options for this area of the park and will consider the introduction of a new feature in the future, subject to available funding and budget priorities.
"At this stage, no timescale has been agreed for any replacement installation.
"We are disappointed that an amenity enjoyed by local residents and visitors has been lost through vandalism and would encourage everyone to help protect and respect public spaces and facilities across the borough.”
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said it will provide further updates should proposals for a future installation progress.
About the Five Apples project
Installed at the park in 2015, Japanese artist Shiro Masuyama designed the artworks after workshops with Dunclug and Doury Road residents.
An information board located near the sculptures notes that each apple reflects a period of historical significance, drawing inspiration from figures such as Adam and Eve, William Tell, Isaac Newtown, The Beatles, and Steve Jobs.
Collectively the apples “symbolise a number of key community-based themes including working together, trust, growth, and peace building”.