Appeal for end to vandalism at local play park

Appeal for end to vandalism at local play park

14 May 2025

AN appeal for an end to vandal attacks at a Newcastle play park – which was redeveloped at a cost of £240,000 – has made by a local politician.

Mournes councillor, Laura Devlin, said swings were damaged recently, with the rope of one set on fire.

She said play equipment must be respected and revealed vandals targeted the Downs Road facility twice in two weeks, with the swings left in a dangerous condition.

Cllr Devlin said the damage was immediately reported to Newry, Mourne and Down Council which owns the play park.

“Around £240,000 was invested to upgrade this play park and it is now a superb facility,” she said.

“I rarely see this play park empty and it is used by children from far and wide which is superb to see.”

Describing the recent damage as “frustrating,” Cllr Devlin said repairs come at a cost to ratepayers.

“I would appeal to parents of teenagers to speak to their children and outline the consequences of vandalising play equipment,” she said.

“A small child could be really hurt as a result and money spent here is then not available to be spent elsewhere.”

Cllr Devlin said she has also reported the vandalism to police.