The contractor working on a new Co Derry greenway has been forced to call in security due to their machinery being damaged by a group of 'vandals'.
The contractor, employed on behalf of Derry City and Strabane District Council, is currently working on the Strathfoyle Greenway site.
It's understood that the damage inflicted to the piece of machinery was minor, but has prompted the need for night watch security at the site.
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The £2.6million greenway is being developed by Derry and Strabane Council in partnership with the Department of Communities, Dept of Infrastructure, and Dept of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
The extension to the Waterside Greenway will link Stradowen Drive to Derry city centre and the wider greenway network. It will also provide a commuting route to Foyle Port and Maydown.
The incident is the lastest in a line of anti-social behaviour in Strathfoyle, with a play park in the area having also been vandalised last week.
A spokesperson for the council said the incident would have no impact on the final cost of the project or on the final completion date.
However, they've appealed for those carrying out the actions to stop immediately.
"The deployment of additional security at the site is a matter for the contractor," said the council spokesperson.
"[We are] appealing for those responsible for any vandalism to consider the outcome of their actions and asked anyone who witnesses vandalism to contact the PSNI or report it to Council’s Community Safety Wardens.
Meanwhile, a representative from Strathfoyle Community Association added: "Hopefully this will deter those hell bent on ruining the development of the area and their own future as one day you won’t be a child."
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