Children and parents ‘intimidated’ at NI play park

DUP Cllr Gareth Wilson has again raised concerns over anti-social behaviour at Tandragee Recreational Centre Play Park.

He and other councillors have been inundated with complaints of ‘unacceptable’ behaviour at the park which is littered with broken glass and debris.

Cllr Wilson said: “This has sadly been a recurring theme and it is totally unacceptable that parents are feeling intimidated by the antisocial behaviour and are being put off from taking their young children to use this Council facility. The level of vandalism and broken glass and the obvious risk this presents is also a huge concern for everyone.

“I have asked that a collective effort is employed to try and stamp out this problem and ensure that the park is a welcoming and safe place for parents and children.

“I have raised this with both the Council and the PSNI again and I know that Recreation Centre staff have been working hard to keep on top of this problem, however it is very deflating to be greeted by the same vandalism and disrespect on such a regular basis. It is vital that this issue is resolved for the betterment of everyone and I urge the PSNI to provide additional help in this regard. This is children’s play area is not a drinking and drugs den and efforts must intensify to deal with this antisocial behaviour.”

Independent Cllr Paul Berry, who has also requested a joint meeting with the PSNI and ABC Council, said: “Several weeks ago we had serious issues with underage drinking, drug misuse and general noise pollution but, after police and council intervention, this thankfully had stopped for quite a few weeks. Sadly it has raised its ugly head again.

“Parents recently have contacted me after finding a total mess at the park and witnessing a few youths drunk or on drugs. This is very concerning.

“Parents also have a responsibility and it is not fair that police, council but most importantly kids are affected by the mess and dangers the anti-social youths leave behind. Enough is enough.”

-

-

Gas prices to rise by almost 18% Read full story here-

-

Editor’s Message:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.