'Disgust' at Randalstown vandalism

‘DISGUST’ has been expressed after play equipment was damaged at John Street in Randalstown over Christmas and sectarian graffiti was sprayed on planters and signs.

Ulster Unionist Dunsilly Councillor Stewart Wilson said: “I am beyond disgusted at the actions of this small group of selfish petty individuals who committed this mindless act of vandalism.

“The festive period should be a time where Council employees, like all residents, are free to enjoy a well earned break with their friends and families, not clean up damage caused by people with no regard for their own community.

“Questions are rightly being asked as to why the park was not locked at the appropriate time, but the reality is the park should not need to be locked.

“I believe the vast majority of us were brought up to respect public spaces, and we should be maintaining those standards.

“I am appealing to parents to check in with their children’s activities when they are out with friends, as it will be them and their fellow rate payers who will be picking up the bill for this damage, and the disappointment of young children who will suffer from the loss of these brand new facilities they have waited patiently for and had the opportunity to enjoy.”

He said that ratepayers’ money had been wasted, but added: “I have received confirmation that the Community Safety Wardens will have additional patrols in the area

“The damaged swing will be cordoned off to be repaired in the New Year

“Gates will be locked at the appropriate time. Parents, please check where your children are over the festive period.”

Councillor Linda Clarke, who had only just secured replacement equipment at the site, added: “This is totally unacceptable behaviour.

“It took years to get the equipment replaced and it has been wrecked in just a couple of weeks along with other damage in the park.

“If anyone has seen anything please get it touch.

“Also a word to parents please know where your children are and what they are doing.

“I will also be calling for CCTV to be installed in the park.”

Meanwhile, the Operations Committee of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council was this week due to be given an update on the ‘Play Park Refurbishment project’, which was approved earlier this year.

The project specification covers 34 Play Parks and is based on a Play Park Audit completed last year.

In addition to this programme, two full replacement projects have already been completed at Kings Park and Rathcoole.

The report said: “During the course of the project, it became evident that further works were required to deliver a more complete and safe environment for users. This was due to continued deterioration of materials and equipment, as well as additional issues identified through the annual ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) safety inspections.

“Council approved an initial budget allocation of £890K for this project. In addition, a previously approved recurring annual reactive maintenance budget of £200,000 remains available to cover additional works.

“Due to the additional works identified across multiple sites, the estimated completion date for the main project is now mid-January 2026.

“Upon completion, officers will carry out a full review of all Play Parks and prepare a report outlining any further works required at each site in the coming years.

“Following this review, Estate Services will develop a tender document for the ongoing maintenance of Play Parks covering a 3–4-year contract period. The previously approved recurring £200,000 play park maintenance budget will continue to fund these works on an annual basis.”