Youths blamed for 'sinister attacks' on community

On Monday night, a community warden in Ballycastle had his house and car sprayed with graffiti.

The attacks came after windows were smashed at the Youth Links in Market Street in the town – from where the Community Safety wardens are based.

Independent councillor Seamus Blaney said he was "shocked and disgusted".

"It is completely unacceptable that these people, whoever they are, think they can go around and destroy people's property – especially those who are trying to help and do brilliant work here," said Mr Blaney.

He said Ballycastle didn't have an anti-social problem which was "any worse" than other towns.

"Of course there are young people running around the town getting into mischief – but this type of behaviour is much more serious," he said.

"I know the council has worked very hard along with the community wardens to help bring more activities for the young people of Ballycastle – and this is the thanks we get for it."

Councillor Cara McShane condemned the attack and said the perpetrators had attacked the "very people who were trying to them".

"There can be no excuse whatsoever for this type of attack – what these wardens are trying to do is to protect the young people of Ballycastle and help them," said Cllr McShane who is the chairperson of Moyle district council.

"I think many local people will be aware of who is behind this, and it is important that we do all we can do to bring this to an end.

"Unfortunately there are those who are determined to continue on this destructive path of anti-social behaviour, they have resisted all offers of help and now they have stooped to carrying out these types of sinister attacks on people's homes."

Police are appealing for anyone with information on the graffiti attack at the property in Caman Park on Monday night, and the vandalism to the facilities on Market Street, to come forward.