A local councillor has said he is "disgusted" after a much enjoyed piece of play equipment was damaged by vandalism in recent days at People's Park, Ballymena.
Councillor Rodney Quigley also highlighted the cost to ratepayers to repair the slide and play surface. It comes at a time when council is facing significant financial pressures, and dealing with soaring costs in delivering services for residents across the borough.
Councillor Quigley said:
"I am absolutely disgusted to learn of the significant damage caused by an arson attack on the blue slide at the People's Park.
"Council have no other option but to remove this well used piece of equipment until a replacement is found which will come at a great cost to our rate payers.
"It beggars belief how anyone in their right mind would find it amusing and go out of their way to cause such mindless damage.
"I would encourage anyone who has any information about the individual or individuals responsible for this damage to contact PSNI, council or myself so that they can be brought to justice for this senseless act of vandalism."
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (MEABC) confirmed that the slide has been closed and will have to be replaced as a result of the incident.
A council spokesperson commented:
"As a result of vandalism in the People’s Park play park in Ballymena, the large blue slide has been temporarily closed.
"Significant damage has been caused to this piece of equipment which means it can’t be enjoyed by members of our community.
"The rest of the play park remains open and accessible.
"As with all play parks, officers have been investigating options to limit the duration of any play equipment being out of use.
"Unfortunately, due to the extent and location of the damage in this instance, repair is not an option and therefore the damaged slide will be removed to ensure safety of all park users.
"This incident has been reported to our colleagues in the police and Council officers will continue to work with the community policing team and Policing and Community Safety Partnership officers to engage with all park users with the aim to reduce antisocial behaviour on this site and others.
"Anybody with any information regarding the recent damage to the slide in the park is asked to contact the PSNI on 101."