Five apples plagued by vandalism

Japanese artist Shiro Masuyama designed the artworks after workshops with Dunclug and Doury Road residents. The apples aim to reflect themes such as community, trust, the future and to be “a symbol of aspiration for continued peace”.

Since last Monday, the stems on the apples have been broken on four occasions.

After the third attack the artist tried to remain positive and took it as an opportunity to “meet many local people in Ballymena while fixing the sculptures”. But after the fourth attack on Thursday night he wrote on his website of his disappointment.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Billy Ashe appealed for the vandals to stop.

“This is a community project and an attack on the project is an attack on the community itself. I would appeal to anyone with information to contact the police.”