Tullygarley playing fields gates to close overnight in bid to tackle anti-social behaviour

Entrance to Tullygarley Community Centre car park, and the local playing fields

Residents living near Tullygarley playing fields are set to see overnight access restrictions introduced after concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour involving vehicles in the area.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has confirmed it will arrange for the entrance barrier at the popular Ballymena facility to be closed nightly between 8pm and 8am once repairs to the existing gate have been completed.

The move follows complaints from local residents about noise disturbance and vehicle-related activity in and around the park and playing fields during late evening and overnight hours.

Council responds to concerns from local residents

North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew and local DUP representative Ross Barr

North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew said he had been contacted by a number of constituents in the Tullygarley area who were worried about anti-social behaviour occurring at the site during the night.

Following those approaches, he contacted the council to ask whether overnight closures could be introduced to help address the issue.

Mr Frew welcomed the council’s response and confirmation that action would be taken.

He said:

“After being contacted by a number of constituents in the Tullygarley area regarding anti-social behaviour at night involving vehicles in Tullygarley park and playing fields, I contacted the Council to ascertain if they would consider locking the gates during the night.

“I am delighted that the Council has informed me of their intention to repair the existing gate and then arrange for the barrier to be closed at night between the hours of 8pm and 8am.

“I want to thank the Council for their swift and positive response.”

Residents affected by overnight disturbance

Local DUP representative Ross Barr said reports from residents highlighted the impact that late-night activity had been having on those living nearby.

He said the introduction of overnight closures would provide reassurance to many in the community.

Mr Barr said:

“The reports of anti-social behaviour in the Tullygarley area are very concerning.

“The news that the entrance barrier to Tullygarley playing fields will be closed from 8pm to 8am will be welcomed by many local residents who were disturbed by noise and vehicles during the night.

“This is good news for Tullygarley and the local community. I thank the Council for their commitment to help tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.”

Barrier closure aimed at reducing vehicle-related incidents

The overnight closure is intended to limit vehicle access to the playing fields during the hours when incidents have reportedly been taking place.

While pedestrian access arrangements have not been outlined, the restriction is expected to reduce opportunities for late-night gatherings involving vehicles and help improve quality of life for nearby residents.

The council will first undertake repairs to the existing gate infrastructure before implementing the nightly closure arrangements.

For residents in Tullygarley who have experienced ongoing disruption, the decision represents a practical step aimed at restoring peace to the area during overnight hours while protecting the playing fields as a community asset.