Four out of five seats set alight by park vandals

Four seats at McIlroy Park at Ballyskeagh have been destroyed by arsonists.

The latest attack was on July 20 when vandals set fire to one of their recycled plastic seats.

Some time ago newly completed metal gates were removed from their fittings and stolen at the canal/towpath end of the footbridge in McIlroy Park, just off the Ballyskeagh Road.

But it is the arson attacks to the seats which has angered locals.

“All that is left is just a pile of ashes,” said one man who uses the park regularly.

“The park is so beautiful like Tollymore almost. I wish these vandals would just leave it alone. I love to sit and read and have a leisurely walk around the area. There is only one seat left.

“These people just get their kicks by just coming in and destroying the place. Have they nothing else to do.”

A spokesperson for the council confirmed that four out of the five bench seats in McIlroy Park have been damaged.

“The benches were set on fire and the remnants have been removed,” the spokesperson said.

“The council is awaiting delivery of replacement seats.

“Lisburn City Council would urge any citizen who witnesses anti-social behaviour to report the matter to the PSNI.

“Due to senseless vandalism the amenity of the park and its benefit to loca residents has been affected during the time of year when people should be enjoying public parks.”

The condemnation was reiterated by SDLP Councillor Pat Catney who said, “I want to condemn those behind the reckless and despicable vandalism at McIlroy Park. I understand that a number of seats were burned and gates are also missing.

“There is no place in our community and certainly not in a public park for this criminal behaviour.

“I would encourage anyone with information regarding this wanton vandalism to come forward to the police and assist them with their enquiries.”