Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Connor Lynch

East Belfast playpark closed after being vandalised by youths

A playpark in East Belfast was forced to close after it was vandalised by a group of youths.

The Flora Street Walkway Playpark closed last week after a group of young people damaged some of the play equipment.

One local resident said they saw the group ripping up part of the soft flooring in the park to throw at one another.

Read more: Chatty bench stolen from Co Antrim park

The vandalism of the park has been called "absolutely disgraceful", and people are being asked to call the council or police if they see any further damage take place.

East Belfast Alliance councillor Michelle Kelly said: "It's absolutely disgraceful to see this mindless vandalism yet again, which has happened on a number of occasions over the last while forcing the park to close.

"The play park is a vital community resource enjoyed by children and families who again suffer due to the actions of a few. I’ve spoken to both Belfast City Council and the PSNI over the last few days. Anyone with information, no matter how small, please contact the PSNI."

Following the vandalism the Connswater Community Greenway, which is managed by the Eastside Partnership, issued a statement saying: "Unfortunately, some of the play equipment at Flora Street Walkway has been damaged over the past week. As such, the play park will be closed until further notice.

"Along with Belfast City Council, we are committed to ensuring that all facilities and sections of the Connswater Community Greenway are safe, accessible and welcoming.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and we hope to have the park in full working order as soon as possible.

"Thank you for your patience and ongoing support."

Read more: Translink bus strike suspended following 'last ditch' talks

Read more: Residents call South Belfast apartments '£6.6m crack den'

To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.