Condemnation as vandals attack Killyleagh playpark

Condemnation as vandals attack Killyleagh playpark

8 July 2020

VANDALS who set fire to a swing at a play park in Killyleagh which was recently revamped at a cost of £80,000 may have been caught on CCTV.

Last Friday evening’s incident at the play park adjacent to the Bridge Community Centre has been condemned by local councillor Billy Walker who described what happened as “outrageous”.

He said security camera footage recorded by the community centre could help police identify who was responsible for the criminal damage.

Cllr Walker said the play park was one of 15 across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area to be upgraded as part of a £1m investment package.

While all play parks have been closed as part of the coronavirus lockdown measures, they are due to reopen from this Friday.

Cllr Walker said he is “bitterly disappointed” at what happened at the Killyleagh play park with the incident coming less than a week after the malicious fire at a former cafe at the Seaview area in the town.

“While it was just a children’s swing that was targeted, what happened is nevertheless alarming,” he declared.

“It is important that whoever was responsible for both fires is brought to justice. This behaviour cannot and must not be allowed to continue. We simply can’t have people running about Killyleagh starting fires.”

Cllr Walker said be lobbied for the upgrade along with the Killyleagh Community Association and also revealed that a small log cabin near the play park had to be removed as young people were starting fires in it.

He continued: “The incident happened at 6pm on Friday and while I hope it was captured on CCTV, I hope that any resident who lives in this area and witness suspicious activity will come forward.

“I sincerely hope that we are not looking at more incidents of this nature. So many people worked hard to secure ultra-modern play equipment, yet there are those who want to destroy it and rob children of an important community facility.”

Cllr Walker said what happened was a “shame and disgrace” and he hoped that the equipment can be repaired as soon as possible.

He added: “This was not an attack on a play park, but on the Killyleagh community, and will be roundly condemned.

“This is the only play park in Killyleagh and its upgrade brought much delight to local children. I hope that whoever damaged the swing will be apprehended.”