Playground damaged again

Playground damaged again

1 February 2012 - by DAVID TELFORD

VANDALS have targeted a new £120,000 playground in Downpatrick for the second time in three weeks.

In the first attack, play equipment was dislodged from its mounting, ropes on new climbing frames cut and a fire started in a skip being used by contractors working at the site in Knocknashinna.

Last week, paintwork on a range of play equipment at the Down Council-owned playground was damaged by vandals throwing stones. It will have to be repainted to prevent it from rusting.

Council chairman Dermot Curran said both attacks come before contractors working on the new development at Knocknashinna formally hand it over to the local authority.

Condemning the latest vandal attack, he said incidents of this kind “leave him lost for words” as those responsible for the damage are targeting a much-needed community facility.

Councillor Curran branded attacks on playgrounds and other community facilities as “mindless” and said he failed to understand those who engage in such behaviour.

The new Downpatrick playground is part of a £450,000 investment by the local authority in five new facilities across the district.

He continued: “Someone must know who is responsible. The Knocknashinna playground is the most modern of its kind in the district and has been provided for young people in the area to enjoy.

“I simply can’t believe people have vandalised it again. Why do they do this? Down Council has put the provision of new playgrounds at the top of its priority list, yet there are those attempting to undo the good work it’s doing for local people and communities.”

Councillor Curran added: “Anti-social behaviour is a problem which blights our district and its good name. Anyone who can help police inquiries about the two attacks at the Downpatrick playground must inform police.”