Play park set to open after vandal attack

Play park set to open after vandal attack

12 August 2015

CROSSGAR’S Lislea Drive play park is due to reopen next week.

The facility has been closed since an arson attack last month when a tyre was set alight, extensively damaging a play tower and rubber surfacing. The repair bill has been estimated at £85,000.

The July 12 incident sparked community outrage and as a result of the scale of the damage, the play park has remained closed ever since. 

Contractors moved on site this week to remove the damaged play tower which will allow Newry, Mourne and Down Council to reopen the facility and begin the process of drawing up plans to provide new equipment.

Crossgar Community Association chairman, Paul Teggart, has welcomed the move to reopen the play park.

“The damaged tower poses a health and safety risk to children and that is why the play park has remained closed. Once the equipment has been removed the facility can reopen,” he explained.

Mr Teggart believes around 80 per cent of the play park was not affected by last month’s arson attack and hopes children will be able to use the play park for a few weeks before they return to school in September.

“The community group is pleased the play park will reopen given its importance to the people of Crossgar. What happened last month angered a lot of people what we have to do now is look forward.

“The key priority is to have the play park reopened and once that happens work can begin to replace the equipment damaged in the fire.”

Mr Teggart said the community group is keen to play a role in having the play park repaired and said once the new equipment is in place, he hopes a formal opening of the £135,000 facility can be arranged.

Rowallane councillor Robert Burgess, who has welcomed work to reopen the play park, has issued an appeal to anyone who knows anything about last month’s arson attack top contact police. He said it’s important the culprits are apprehended.

“Attacks of this nature on a community facility must end. Do the people who engage in such activity have any understanding of the heartache and misery they have caused the young people who use this popular facility?” he asked.

“It is important those who targeted the play park feel the full force of the law. Attacks of this nature on community facilities will not be tolerated.”

Mr Teggart has also confirmed that Crossgar Youth League’s annual presentation of awards will take place at Downpatrick Cricket Club on Sunday, September 6, at 3pm. Parents who children plan to attend the event are asked to contact league secretary,  Eddie Craig, telephone (028) 4483 1690.