Children (10) set fire to play park

Children as young as 10 are believed to have been involved in a vandalism incident at a play park in Lurgan, causing £1,500 of damage.
A play area in north Lurgan destroyed by child vandalsA play area in north Lurgan destroyed by child vandals
A play area in north Lurgan destroyed by child vandals

The play park, in the Kilwilkie estate, has been closed due to the extensive damage caused over a two day period.

A local councillor has voiced concern as these children appear to be putting themselves in serious danger.

It is understood the children ripped up play mats used for safety and set them on fire.

Condemning the wanton destruction of the play park, Sinn Fein Cllr Keith Haughian said the vandals caused damage in the region of £1,500 over a two day period last week.

Speaking after visiting the play park Cllr Haughian said: “It’s really disappointing to see a play park used by so many young people and families in the area to be closed down as a result of vandalism.

“The children involved have been described as around ten years old.

“If this is true then I’m calling on the parents to take responsibility for their actions.

“Not only are they destroying a communal play area, but by climbing over the fence to do it, they are endangering themselves.

“I am calling on anyone with information on this to contact the council, Sinn Féin or the PSNI who I have made aware of this”

Cllr Haughian continued: “Hopefully necessary repairs will be carried out by council this week and use of the play park can resume shortly after.”

A spokesperson for Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Council said: “The play park in North Lurgan has been closed as a result of vandalism to the safety surfacing.

“The repair work requires the services of a specialist contractor who will be on-site on Thursday to begin reinstatement costing in the region of £1,000 to £1,500. The play park will be reopened once this work has been completed and we would appeal to anyone who sees any anti-social behaviour in the area to report it to the PSNI on 101.”

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