Vandals Cause Over £65,000 Worth Of Damage At Play Park

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Council has slammed vandals who caused over £65,000 worth of damage to equipment at a children's play park.

Extensive fire damage was caused at Ballymena's People's Park on Sunday night, 23 April.

Councillor Audrey Wales MBE said: "In effect, this mindless act means that our children are now being denied the chance to play outdoors throughout the summer months.

"It looks like the structure cannot be repaired as the uprights have been badly burnt making it structurally unsafe, which is a dreadful shame.

"This kind of conduct is wholly unacceptable and I am very annoyed that this pointless act of sheer vandalism has destroyed a very important resource for our children.

"As we are now into the brighter nights when children should be outside enjoying the park, this is particularly galling.

"Pending reports, most if not all of the play area equipment will have to be demolished and replaced at consideration cost to the ratepayer."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

(CD)