There has been anger among the residents of Ballykeel 2, Ballymena, after a commemorative stone, gifted to the estate to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, was damaged by vandals less than 48 hours after being laid.
The local residents group, Ballykeel 2 & District Community Association, has been working hard to create a positive environment in the area for all families.
The stone was only laid this week, and community volunteers have warned that the antisocial behaviour will ‘not be tolerated’.
In a statement posted online, a spokesperson for the association said:
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to type this post.
“Ballykeel 2 & District Community Association have been gifted a commemorative stone from MEA Borough Council and NI 100 Committee.
“Plans had been made to officially unveil this stone at a ceremony tied in with the Queen's Jubilee's celebrations in June.
“It had been agreed to place this stone as a focal point in the centre of the Ballykeel 2 Memorial Garden at the bottom of Ballykeel 2.
“The association have just been notified that in less than 48 hours of the stone being laid, that the border surrounding it has been pulled out and the decorative stones have been scattered across the Ballykeel Garden
“This sort of antisocial behaviour in a place that has been designated for reflection and honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice will NOT be tolerated.
“PLEASE HELP US TO MAKE THIS A BETTER PLACE FOR EVERYONE AND SAY NO TO THIS SORT OF ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR!”