SDLP Foyleside councillor Shauna Cusack
Said Cllr Cusack: “It’s simply unbelievable that this fantastic facility, designed to give pleasure and fun to young children, is constantly targeted by mindless vandals.
“Sadly, after years of being locked in unable to play, children are now being locked out and unable to play.
“On a door knock of the area the other day I noticed children climbing over the fence to get into the park.
“I went up to see what the issue was and was greeting by a bunch of young kids who explained how their park was locked because ‘big boys’ kept ripping up the soft surface and destroying the swings.
“In desperation they still managed to gain entry to play among the destruction.
“They pleaded with me to help them get their park open and fixed again. It was both heartbreaking and infuriating to see and hear children so upset.
“I just cannot fathom what mindset enjoys such vandalism.
“I spoke to a number of residents who stated that it’s a group of teenage boys who live in the vicinity but could not identify them apart from appearances.
“I will be raising this with Apex as to how we can get this park fixed, open and vandal proof going forward.
“Meanwhile, I would ask parents in the area to speak to their children about this issue and residents to keep alert and report any anti social activity to the community safety wardens or authorities.”
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