Arsonists condemned after second attack on play parks

Arsonists condemned after second attack on play parks

12 August 2015

ARSONISTS have again targeted one of the district’s play parks.

A month after a tyre was set alight, extensively damaging a play tower and rubber surfacing at the Lislea Drive play park in Crossgar, arsonists struck in nearby Killyleagh.

Just before midnight last Thursday, a summer seat at the play park located adjacent to the Bridge Community Centre in Killyleagh was destroyed and an attempt was also made to destroy a picnic table.

The attack has been condemned by Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews who are campaigning for a major overhaul of the Killyleagh play park.

They are concerned that weeks after the July 12 attack in Crossgar, arsonists have struck again, with both politicians praising the Killyleagh man who raised the alarm, ensuring fire crews were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to a hedge which runs along the rear of the community centre.

Councillor Walker said Newry, Mourne and Down Council —which owns both parks — had public liability insurance cover for both, but explained the policy did not cover repairing and replacing equipment damaged in an arson attack.

“The estimated repair bill for the Crossgar park is £85,000 and while the damage in Killyleagh is not as bad, things could have been much worse if the hedge adjacent to the Bridge Centre had caught fire,” he continued.

Councillor Walker said he is convinced that having viewed the damage, flammable liquid was poured on the summer seat and a picnic table by whoever was responsible.

“This kind of activity is beyond a joke and the people of Rowallane are fed up with what is happening. The cost of repairing both parks has to be met by the ratepayers and that means the parents of those responsible will end paying for the damage,” he declared.

“The picnic tables and seating at this part of Killyleagh are well used. The fact they have been destroyed as a result of wanton vandalism is galling. I do not understand why there are those intent in engaging in this type of behaviour. These are attacks on the community.”

Councillor Walker confirmed he also plans to ask council officials to upgrade the CCTV system at the Bridge Centre in a bid to deter repeat attacks.

“People in Killyleagh have been asking for a new, modern play park at the community centre and while this is needed, 

parents need to reinforce the message to their children to respect such facilities. The public outcry there would be if a new facility is provided and subsequently burnt or vandalised would be deafening,” he added.

Councillor Andrews said the “actions of a minority will be condemned by the majority” branding those responsible for destroying the summer seat and damaging the picnic table as “scumbags.”

He continued: “What satisfaction do those who engage in such behaviour possibly get? This is a well used play park and once again the cost of replacing damaged equipment falls on the district’s hard-pressed ratepayers.”

Councillor Andrews added: “I would also appeal to anyone who has any information about the incident in Killyleagh or the recent arson attack at Lislea Drive to contact police or use the confidential Crimestoppers number.”