Benches have been removed from an East Belfast park in order to curb a rise in anti-social behaviour.
Belfast City Council has removed benches from King George V playing fields at the request of local residents following an increase of anti-social behaviour in the area.
In the past few weeks there have been numerous reports of groups of youths gathering in the park.
It has been alleged that some of the youths have been drinking and taking drugs, with large amounts of laughing gas canisters being found in the park repeatedly.
East Belfast DUP councillor George Dorrian said that he hoped that the removal of the benches would have the desired result, as local residents were getting frustrated by the anti-social behaviour.
He said: "In the past few weeks there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in King George V playing fields.
"There have been reports of underage drinking and drug taking, with large groups gathering and it was only a few weeks ago that around 50 canisters of laughing gas were found in the park.
"It has been upsetting local residents who are being disturbed by the behaviour and asked the council themselves to remove the benches in a bid to try and stop the youths congregating."
Belfast City Council acknowledged that there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in recent weeks and that it is working with residents, neighbourhood officers and the PSNI to address the issue.
A Council spokesperson said: “We are aware there has been an increase in ASB in our parks and open spaces in recent weeks and have been in discussions with residents, neighbourhood officers and the PSNI. Benches at King George VI Playing Fields were removed temporarily at the request of residents in order to discourage large gatherings and encourage social distancing.
“Council continues to work in partnership with the local community and statutory agencies, including the PSNI, to address anti-social behaviour. We have been reviewing our resources and have also been able to increase the number of staff available at certain times to help address anti-social behaviour.
“To report an incident of antisocial behaviour, contact police on the non-emergency telephone number 101.”
