Jon Burrows calls for park warden body cams and urges parents to step up after Ballymena vandalism
The Five Apples Project in People’s Park, Ballymena
North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows has called for park wardens to be equipped with body-worn cameras after the latest vandalism at Ballymena’s People’s Park, where public art features were damaged and a fixed litter bin was set on fire.
Both Burrows and the local policing team have also called for parents to step up and take responsibility.
The latest incident comes little more than a month after a council park warden was threatened while responding to antisocial behaviour at the popular facility, with Mr Burrows warning that staff should not have to face abuse or intimidation simply for doing their jobs.
Three features from the park’s distinctive Five Apples installation have now been removed on health and safety grounds following the latest damage.
Apples prised from their settings
Damage cause to the art installation
The vandalism happened following the closure of People’s Park on Tuesday, 4 August, when a number of the large decorative apples situated on the hill area were prised from their settings and rolled away.
A fixed litter bin was also set alight and destroyed.
Bin destroyed after being set on fire
While it is understood that the damaged features should be capable of repair, the remedial work will come at a cost to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council — and ultimately local ratepayers.
The Five Apples Project is a public art installation created by Japanese artist Shiro Masuyama and commissioned by the Dunclug Partnership through its involvement with the Building Peace Through the Arts programme.
Each apple represents a different period or cultural reference, drawing inspiration from Adam and Eve, William Tell, Isaac Newton, The Beatles and Steve Jobs.
Together, the five apples were designed to symbolise community themes including working together, trust, growth and peace building.
Burrows calls for body-worn cameras
Commenting on the continuing problems at the park, Mr Burrows condemned the vandalism and called for stronger measures to protect both the facility and those working there.
UUP Party Leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows
He said:
“I utterly condemn the ongoing vandalism and antisocial behaviour in People’s Park. This is a valued community facility for families, children and residents of all ages -not a playground for thugs intent on intimidation and destruction.
“The reported recent threats against a park wardens were particularly sinister. Staff should never be expected to face abuse or threats simply for doing their jobs. I believe park wardens should now be issued with body-worn cameras to help deter offending, capture evidence and provide greater protection.
“The PSNI must conduct a swift and robust investigation into the latest criminal damage, while the council and police should urgently review security, patrols and preventative measures across the park.
“Those responsible must face consequences—and parents must take full responsibility for knowing where their children are and what they are doing. The law-abiding community should not lose access to its park because of the disgraceful behaviour of a small minority.”
Warden threatened in July
The call follows an earlier incident on the evening of Thursday, 2 July, when a park warden employed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was threatened while responding to antisocial behaviour involving a group of young people.
Serious threats are understood to have been made towards the council employee by one young person in particular.
The incident prompted the council to temporarily reduce opening hours at People’s Park as a precaution while police enquiries were ongoing.
The latest vandalism has renewed concerns about the impact repeated antisocial behaviour is having on a public space used extensively by families, walkers and other residents.
Council working with PSNI
People’s Park, Ballymena
A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said:
“Ongoing incidents of antisocial behaviour within People’s Park, Ballymena, have resulted in damage to park infrastructure and features. These incidents have included the burning of a litter bin and damage to the decorative apple display within the park.
“As a result of the damage, some of the affected features have been removed to ensure public safety.
“We are disappointed by these acts of vandalism, which impact on a valued park that is enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages. Our officers are working with relevant partners, including the PSNI, to address concerns relating to antisocial behaviour in the area.”
Police appeal for information
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that it received a report of damage in the People’s Park area shortly before 9.25am on Friday, 7 August.
Local Policing Team Sergeant Edens said:
“Antisocial behaviour can have a lasting impact on communities, and can be really distressing and disruptive.
“Our appeal to those involved, or who are tempted to become involved in any type of anti-social behaviour, is to stop and consider the impact of their actions and about the potential consequences.
“We’d also encourage parents/guardians to know where their loved ones are. Have those conversations and talk about what might seem harmless, what might seem like fun, can have a really detrimental impact on other people, and communities. Having those conversations could make a difference.”
Anyone with information which could assist police is asked to contact 101, quoting reference 336 07/08/26.
Information can also be submitted using the PSNI’s online non-emergency reporting form.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
People’s Park remains one of Ballymena’s most heavily used recreational spaces, particularly during the summer months.
The latest damage, coming so soon after threats against a member of staff, has now intensified pressure on the council and police to find measures that protect the park without allowing the behaviour of a small minority to restrict its use by the wider community.
