Appeal for end to ‘mindless vandalism’ at £600k Kells pavilion project

MEABC Councillor, Keith Turner, at the site of the Kells Pavilion project

Councillor Keith Turner has called for an end to anti-social behaviour at the site of a £600,000 sports pavilion project at Kells Playing Fields.

Police are currently investigating reports that young people are entering the building site at Station Road, and warned that those involved could risk injuring themselves and others, and causing damage to the new community facility.

Work on the £600,000 pavilion, which will provide much-needed modern facilities for the Kells and Connor community, including changing rooms, toilet facilities, first aid room, meeting room, and storage and plant rooms, commenced earlier this year.

The Mid and East Antrim Borough Council-led project secured funding through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs EU Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 Village Renewal Scheme.

Cllr Turner said:

“Council is committed to providing first class facilities across the borough, at great expense to itself and ultimately to our ratepayers.

“In recent weeks we have seen mindless vandalism caused to floral displays in Carrickfergus, building works in Kells and Connor, and play parks in Ahoghill and Carrickfergus to mention but a few.

“I would appeal to those who are carrying out these acts of vandalism to cease. If we are going to come out of this ongoing pandemic crisis in a healthy state, both physically and financially, then we all have a part to play and after all the magnificent work that was done by so many people during the lockdown period it would be a great shame for a few to ruin things for the many.”

Police would like to hear from anyone with information on these incidents and can be contacted on 101. Calls can also be made to the confidential Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.