Park ranger threatened in Ballymena’s People’s Park as antisocial behaviour prompts early closures

A park ranger employed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was threatened while responding to an incident involving antisocial behaviour by a group of young people in Ballymena’s People’s Park last week.

The incident happened on the evening of Thursday, 2 July, and is understood to have involved serious threats being made towards the council employee by one young person in particular.

The incident prompted the council to reduce opening hours at the popular town centre park over the weekend as a precautionary measure while police enquiries were ongoing.

People’s Park subsequently closed earlier than normal from Friday through to Sunday.

Weekend opening hours reduced following incident

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council confirmed that the decision to operate reduced opening hours was taken in response to what it described as a serious but isolated incident.

A spokesperson for the council said:

“Due to a serious but isolated anti-social behaviour incident in the People’s Park on Thursday 2 July, we operated reduced opening hours over the weekend (3 to 5 July).

“Police are currently involved in dealing with the incident and we will continue to work with the PSNI to ensure the safety of both our staff and the public.”

The temporary reduction in opening hours affected residents and visitors using one of Ballymena’s best-known public spaces during the busy summer period.

Police involvement confirmed

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed officers received a report relating to threatening and abusive behaviour directed towards an individual in the park.

A PSNI spokesperson told Love Ballymena:

“Police received a report of threatening and abusive behaviour towards an individual in the People’s Park area of Ballymena on Thursday evening, 2nd July.

“A teenage boy has been spoken to by police, and the Youth Diversion Officer has been informed.”

The involvement of a Youth Diversion Officer suggests police are pursuing appropriate interventions aimed at preventing further offending and addressing the behaviour at an early stage.

Safety concerns for staff and visitors

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of frontline council staff working in public spaces and highlights the challenges faced by employees responding to incidents of antisocial behaviour.

While the council has stressed the incident was isolated, the decision to reduce opening hours over the weekend underlines the seriousness with which the threats were treated.

People’s Park remains one of Ballymena’s most popular recreational spaces, attracting families, walkers and visitors throughout the year, particularly during the summer months.

Police and council officials continue to deal with the matter, with both organisations emphasising that protecting staff and members of the public remains the priority.