Hardline approach to playpark vandals

The Council has indicated that if a play facility is constantly vandalised it could be left that way rather than spending ratepayers’ money on repairs.

The developments came after a play park at Turnarobert in Armoy was thrashed even though it had only officially opened less than two weeks earlier.

Damage was caused to two spring loaded gate closers; seven boarded fencing panel boards, ten wall climbing grips; a bin, a bench and a backboard which will cost an estimated 275 to repair.

SDLP councillor Catherine McCambridge (pictured) was disappointed there should be such vandalism at a new facility.

She asked if the Council had a policy of continuing to pay for such vandalism if it happens again “or do we pull the plug?”

Council Chairperson, Independent Price McConaghy, said communities should know that if facilities are damaged they will not be replaced.

Ulster Unionist councillor Helen Harding said the vandalism was extremely disappointing and that it is not only the ratepayers of Armoy who have to pay for the damage but ratepayers across Moyle.

Councillor Oliver McMullan (Sinn Fein) said the word had to go out that services will not be provided if vandalism continues.

He said ratepayers are “continually carrying” the Quay Road Playing Fields in Ballycastle where there is vandalism and he said the community has to help in ensuring that vandalism is reported straight away.

SDLP councillor Orla Black said people living near facilities could let police or council officials know about damage being caused.

Sinn Fein councillor Cara McShane said her brother, Independent councillor Paudie McShane, has pushed for a playpark at Turnarobert and she said the last thing they should do is “punish the entire area for a mindless minority”.

Councillor Cathal Newcombe (Sinn Fein) hoped the Turnarobert incident was a one-off and he didn’t think the facility should be closed at this stage as he said vandalism happens at other areas and over a period of six months the vandalism bill across Moyle could be ten times the amount in Armoy.

He added: “I don’t see why the people of Armoy should have to suffer because of the actions of a few.”

Cllr McCambridge said the damage at Turnarobert should be repaired on this occasion and she said it was not a case of victimising Turnarobert or any other place.

“But we have to take a stand,” she added.

The councillor said the message has to go out that vandalism cannot continue and DUP councillor Robert McIlroy agreed.

The Council agreed to repair the Turnarobert facility ... this time.