Outrage as swings are taken from children's play park

Sinn Fein representatives in the area are urging Lisburn City Council to try and help offset this problem by vandals in Parks and Recreational facilities in the Colin Area.

MLA Jennifer McCann said: "I totally condemn the thieves responsible for stealing two swings from the Play Park at Lagmore. They have stolen from the local children and families who use the park on a regular basis. I also call on Lisburn Council to fund local Community Wardens to help ensure Parks and Recreational facilities in the Colin Area are safeguarded against anti-social activity and vandalism.

"The Council currently employ wardens to help secure the new facility in Wallace Park yet there is no such protection in place in Council owned facilities in Colin. People from this community are entitled to their Parks and Recreational facilities to be afforded the same protection as those in the rest of Lisburn."

Councillor Angela Nelson who represents Colin on the Council added: "The Council have approximately 29 Play Parks located throughout the city and yet only two are in the Colin Area. I intend to raise the issue at Council asking why other Parks are allocated funding for Wardens and protection while the the ones is Colin are not."

A spokesperson for the Lisburn City Council said they were 'disappointed' two swings have been taken from the community Play Park at Lagmore but say they do not employ 24 hour security at play parks.

"The Council understands the concerns of the local community regarding this issue. It is not however Council policy to employ Community Wardens to patrol the play parks and recreational facilities throughout the Lisburn area.

"In response to the query received, the Council would like to advise that it does not and has not employed 24-hour protection in respect of the new flagship play area in Wallace Park. No play area within the Lisburn area has 24-hour security.

"The current security staffing arrangements in place at Wallace Park are temporary. These temporary arrangements, which are due to be reviewed shortly by the relevant Council Committee, were implemented to facilitate the opening of this new play area at the height of the school summer holidays; in response to its overwhelming popularity during this period.

"Lisburn City Council would urge all residents and visitors to treat community play parks and recreational facilities with respect as they are provided for the enjoyment of everyone."