A councillor has called on those responsible for attacking a playpark in Derry to stop.
The perpetrators have targeted the Strathfoyle Playpark in what is believed to have been the second vandalism attack in recent weeks.
It comes after the recreational area was reopened to the public earlier this month after work was completed on the addition of inclusive play equipment items to the local facility.
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A total of £27,000 was provided through the Department for Communities' Access and Inclusion Programme for the work, with £20,883 match funding provided by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Fleming has appealed for attacks on the Strathfoyle play park to stop immediately.
“Sadly there has been a second attack on the play park, resulting in the park having to close until repairs can be carried out. This is an intolerable situation.
“It took many years to get this play park opened and it provides a great facility for local families. The last thing we want to see is it being targeted by a very small anti-community element.
“I would urge anyone who sees people vandalising the park or other facilities to contact the police, elected representatives and local community organisations.”
Meanwhile, Derry City and Strabane District Council are urging parents to be conscious of their young people’s whereabouts following an "escalation in vandalism and graffiti" in Council owned play parks.
A spokesperson for the council said the attacks were proving "costly" and "time consuming" for council staff.
Manager at Council, Emma Barron, has appealed for young people to respect the facilities.
“Vandalism and graffiti in our play parks have escalated in recent years and the time, effort and resources needed to repair and clean up after the incidents are substantial,” she said.
“The markers young people are using to write and draw on the equipment are proving particularly difficult to remove.
“We have been able to open some state-of-the-art facilities in recent years however this vandalism is not only costly but impacts on the local community as it restricts their access while repairs are carried out.
“The summer months are a period where incidents traditionally increase so I would appeal for young people to respect the facilities and for parents to keep a closer eye on what is criminal damage and remind children and young adults that these are community spaces for everyone to enjoy.”
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