£14k bill for summer vandalism in Mid and East Antrim

Speaking at a remote  meeting of the council on Monday evening, Mayor Councillor Peter Johnston told members that the local authority is facing a repair bill of £14,000.

Cllr Johnston told elected representatives that vandalism in the borough has increased as the cost of vandalism last year was £16,000 overall.

During the last few months, incidents included 14 in Larne, nine in Carrickfergus and two in Ballymena.

Last week, damage was caused to the newly-refurbished public toilets in Carnlough where an upgrade was carried out at facilities just a few months ago. Public toilets in Glenarm were also damaged.

The mayor also reported £2,000 worth of damage to play facilities at Marine Gardens in Carrick and several thousand pounds worth of damage to equipment at the playground in the town’s Windmill estate.

There was also £2,000 worth of damage at the Inver River path, £1,000 worth at Carnfunnock Country Park and £800 at Linn Glen, in Larne.

PSNI officers carried out a foot patrol at the weekend  of the Linn Glen after receiving complaints of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the area.

Speaking of his “disappointment”, the Mayor said it is “not welcoming for visitors to see vandalism”.

He stated: “As Mayor, I make a heartsome appeal to the public to protect our investment and to report anything that you know to the PSNI.

“Our focus remains on growing the tourism economy in Mid and East Antrim and it is not welcoming for visitors to see vandalism which can be off-putting to those staying in our location.

“I would again ask everyone to please be vigilant and to help council along with the PSNI to stamp out vandalism.”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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