Friday 11 March 2011

Local people must reclaim Whitewell park


Sinn Féin councillor Mary Ellen Campbell said Finlay Park in the Whitewell area must be reclaimed by local people.

A meeting of residents was held to discuss the park, which is on the verge of closure due to vandals destroying the play equipment.

The park has been targeted by vandals on a regular basis over the last number of years by vandals who have been destroying the kids play area. The equipment was destroyed a number of times last year with Belfast City Council being forced to pay to repair the damaged and arsoned play facilities.

The council is now understood to be contemplating not repairing the equipment again because of the repeated vandalism every time it is repaired. Over the past few years thousands of pounds have been spent replacing the play facilities.

"With leisure resources in North Belfast at a premium it's essential the community publicly reclaims Finlay Park,” said Mary Ellen.
“Recent vandalism has caused thousands of pounds of damage to the family play area putting its future in doubt.

“We have pressed the PSNI to act and confiscate drink from the gangs drinking in the park. We are also working with the council to save this community facility. It's vital residents stand up and ensure Whitewell is a safe family-friendly environment.

“The vast majority of our young people are a credit to the community and shouldn't be tarnished by these few individuals wrecking our park."

Sinn Féin representative Tierna Cunningham said by following the example set by other areas the park can be reclaimed.
“The example of residents’ actions in Ardoyne and the New Lodge with The Pitch and Mitch and North Queens Street Park can help secure Finlay Park’s future,” she said.

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