Criticism after both village play parks are vandalised
By Gabrielle Swan
THE official opening of a major new play park in Kircubbin has been delayed because of vandalism.
The £170,000 play park at The Green was supposed to open on July 11 but vandalism has forced Ards and North Down Council to delay the opening until contractors return to repair damage estimated at £5,000.
The attack was one of two on play parks in the town, the facility at Parsonage Road also subject to vandalism. The attacks have sparked condemnation from local councillors.
It is the damage to the brand new play park at The Green that has most annoyed the local politicians which is believed to have occurred on July 4 when soft fall rubber laid down on the grounds was damaged.
A few weeks before this incident, a digger at the site had its windows shattered.
The play park’s upgrade was part of the council’s 10 year Play Strategy. The Green received around £170,000 worth of investment and a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), costing £150,000, is also due to be installed.
The damage at the Parsonage Road play park occurred a few days after the incident at The green, and involved a seesaw being broken.
Ulster Unionist councillor, Pete Wray, labelled the vandalism as ‘frustrating’.
“There was some damage that was done to the rubber ground of the Green, and also some damage to the Parsonage Road Play Park, one of the seesaws had been snapped,” said Mr Wray.
“As a consequence of the damage at the Green, the opening of that new play park has been delayed, which is quite frustrating.
“I am asking that young people stay away from that area until it is fixed, though I know that everyone is excited about the new facility. It is going to be a fantastic one when it is open and when it is fixed.
“I would also encourage parents to keep an eye on where their children are, because any further damage to the park is just going to further delay the opening.
“The park, along with the MUGA, and the fact that Parsonage Road is going to remain open and maintained is still fantastic news for Kircubbin,” added Mr Wray.
Ards peninsula councillor, Joe Boyle, branded the damage to the Green as ‘disgraceful’.
“This is a disgraceful act of wanton destruction and to think this happens on the site of a £170k investment is disappointing,” he said.
“It is important to me that no area or community is left behind with getting facilities that suit particular needs.”
A council spokesman stated: “The opening of the Green has been delayed, as contractors need to repair the damaged surfacing before they could continue with the final elements.
“There is currently no date in place for the opening.
“In relation to Parsonage Road Park, contractors have assessed the damage and will provide the council with costs to repair.”
