Newtownabbey residents ‘should not access’ locked play parks

Members of the public are being advised not to enter locked play parks across Antrim and Newtownabbey after a number of alleged incidents in the borough during lockdown.
The locked play park at Ballyclare's Sixmilewater River Park. Pic by Cllr Michael Stewart.The locked play park at Ballyclare's Sixmilewater River Park. Pic by Cllr Michael Stewart.
The locked play park at Ballyclare's Sixmilewater River Park. Pic by Cllr Michael Stewart.

Commenting on the issue, a spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said: “We haven’t received any guidance on the reopening of play parks, but these facilities are closed and locked, and members of the public should not access them.

“Our parks and green space facilities remain open, and we would urge young people in the borough to be responsible and follow the rules that are there to keep themselves and their friends and families safe.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Independent Ballyclare DEA representative, Cllr Michael Stewart has echoed these sentiments following alleged trespassing at the play park in the town’s Sixmilewater River Park.

Speaking to the Times, Cllr Stewart said: “The people of Ballyclare have shown remarkable patience and resilience throughout this dreadful coronavirus pandemic, particularly those families with younger children.

“I completely understand their frustration that the play parks remain closed, but I would urge everyone to continue to respect the guidance that has been given by Government and make sure our children understand how important it is that they think of others and keep themselves and their friends safe.

“We all have a responsibility to remain vigilant and do what we can to help each other cope with the impact of the ‘new normal’ on how we work, how we shop and indeed, how we play.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I look forward to the time when the play parks can reopen safely, but until then I’d encourage everyone to stay safe and maybe take the opportunity this summer to explore the many other amazing places and spaces we are so fortunate to have right on our doorstep.”

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you.