New summer bench installed in Ballymena estate after years without seating following vandalism

Ballymena Sinn Féin councillor Bréanainn Lyness with local resident Donna McElroy

A long-awaited return of a community amenity has been realised in Ballymena, with a new bench installed at Devenagh Way in the Rectory Estate - replacing a previous seat removed years ago due to vandalism.

The installation, completed in time for the summer months, marks a small but significant improvement for residents in the area, restoring a place to rest and gather that had been missing for some time.

Seat returns after vandalism setback

The original bench at the location had been taken away several years ago after it was vandalised, leaving the area without seating and highlighting the ongoing challenge of replacing damaged public facilities.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Bréanainn Lyness welcomed the development, noting both the practical benefit for residents and the wider importance of protecting shared community spaces.

“Just in time for the summer months, a new bench has been installed at Devenagh Way in the Rectory Estate, Ballymena.

“I want to thank the Housing Executive for delivering this much-needed addition for local residents - it’s a simple but meaningful improvement that will be enjoyed by people of all ages for years to come.”

Ballymena Sinn Féin councillor Bréanainn Lyness with local residents Donna McElroy and Matthew Kelly

Councillor Lyness added:

“Special thanks go to local resident Donna McElroy, who first raised the request for the bench, which has been warmly welcomed by others in the area, including Matthew Kelly.”

Community effort behind the installation

The reinstatement follows a request from local resident Donna McElroy, whose efforts helped bring attention to the absence of seating in the area and ultimately led to its replacement.

The case also underlines the role residents and elected representatives play in securing small-scale but valued improvements, particularly where previous facilities have been lost.

Cllr Lyness added that replacing vandalised infrastructure can often prove difficult, stressing the importance of community respect for shared amenities to ensure they remain in place long-term.

Call to protect local amenities

Housing Executive Assistant Area Manager for Mid and East Antrim, Roy McClean, said the organisation was pleased to see the bench restored ahead of the summer period.

“We are pleased to see this seat reinstalled in time for Summer and I trust it will be respected and enjoyed by the surrounding community and visitors to the area.”

The new bench now offers a renewed space for residents of all ages to sit, meet, and enjoy the area - with its future longevity resting on continued community care and respect.

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At a glance

• New bench installed at Devenagh Way in the Rectory Estate, Ballymena

• Previous seat had been removed years ago following vandalism

• Installation completed in time for summer months

• Request for replacement raised by local resident Donna McElroy

• Welcomed by Sinn Féin councillor Bréanainn Lyness

• Housing Executive delivered the installation

• Community urged to respect and protect the new amenity