DUP Alderman says: “This is not about panic or point scoring”
Parties at Belfast City Council have failed to find agreement on a DUP motion to consult the public on a proposal to stop adults “loitering” in playparks unless they are accompanying a child.
At a committee meeting at City Hall this week, a DUP motion was deferred over wording for a consultation on safeguarding Belfast’s playparks, and to look at legal implications with the City Solicitor.
A motion by DUP Alderman Dean McCullough was put forward at the council’s monthly meeting of its People and Communities Committee. Sinn Féin, after proposing and then withdrawing an amendment to the DUP motion, then successfully proposed deferring the matter for the Party Group Leaders to discuss privately.
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The DUP motion reads: “Belfast City Council expresses its deep concern at the growing number of reports relating to indecent, threatening, and predatory behaviour in council-owned playparks across Belfast.
“These spaces, intended for the happiness and well-being of children, are increasingly being compromised by individuals loitering without lawful purpose, in a manner that alarms parents and communities. This council believes that every child has the right to play safely, and every parent has the right to peace of mind when bringing their children to a local park.
“Public spaces must reflect public values – including the protection of childhood innocence, the upholding of decency, and the moral duty to safeguard the vulnerable. Accordingly, this council commits to the creation of a comprehensive Safeguarding Belfast’s Playparks Policy, to prohibit loitering in and around children’s playparks by any adult not accompanying a child, or without a legitimate purpose”
The motion calls for “a full public consultation, both online and in person, to hear the views of residents, parents/guardians, and community organisations in directly shaping this policy.” It also commits City Hall “to work with statutory bodies – including the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Home Office, and community organisations – to combat predatory sexual crime and anti-social behaviour in our public spaces.”
Alderman McCullough said at the committee meeting: “One of the greatest concerns is the number of unreported incidents, cases where parents or residents have been too afraid, too disheartened, or too unsure to go through all the channels, like the PSNI, or indeed Belfast City Council.
“There continues to be all sorts of reasons for that fear and distrust, including simply not knowing the process. That’s why it is essential that we hear directly from communities, from parents, residents and local organisations who use these parks every day.
“I and my party want to get this right, that’s why my colleagues will be proposing that the first act should be a full consultation, one that provides people with a safe, constructive space to express their views, and help shape this policy from the ground up.
“I do have strong personal views. Except for extreme examples, adults should not be in a children’s playpark unless accompanied by a child. But I also recognise that the consultation, alongside input from members and stakeholders alike, will help us refine and test that principle – and develop workable proposals.”
He added: “This is not about panic or point scoring, it is about common sense, community safety, and doing our duty to protect children and families in space that were built for them.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly said at the meeting: “We agree that all forms of criminality in any of our assets is deeply concerning for all of us, and it is something we should look at.”
She proposed an amendment, which stated: “Belfast City Council expresses its deep concern at a number of reports of criminality in council-owned parks across Belfast. Accordingly, this council commits to creation of a comprehensive ‘Safety in Belfast Parks’ policy.
“In the creation of this strategy, Belfast City Council will engage with the PSNI and other statutory bodies to combat all criminal activity in our parks and assets.”
Alderman McCullough said: “I appreciate that predatory behaviour is absolutely criminal, but (the amendment) does dilute (the motion) somewhat. The specific focus is on predatory behaviour in playparks. But I will not quarrel with it.
“We want a full public consultation that allows park users, primarily parents and their families, to actually shape the outcome.” He added: “We will not be accepting anything short of a full public consultation.”
After a break in the chamber, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly returned to say Sinn Féin had withdrawn their amendment. She said: “After a lot of to-ing and fro-ing we are happy to remove our amendment, and propose it goes to Party Group Leaders, to tease out what the framework will look like, and what exactly we are looking for from this. Because I don’t think we are going to get a broad agreement over it this evening.”
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