Lisburn councillor’s concerns over “disturbing reports” at play park

Drug taking and pictures being taken from behind hedge, according to reports

Child safety concerns have been flagged at two Lisburn play parks – with claims of people taking pictures from behind bushes. Lagan Valley Island chamber this week heard “disturbing reports” of photographs being taken drug dealing taking place at nearby bushes.

An elected member told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that he had made his concerns known to the PSNI. A chief inspector has said the police are taking the matter “seriously”.

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At the communities committee, independent councillor, Gary Hynds said: “I am raising concerns brought to me by local residents of Hilden and Huguenot play parks. There are parents coming to me who are now afraid to take their children to the play parks. “At Hilden there are serious concerns over illegal activity taking place behind bush areas close to the play park, where children are playing. There are holes in the hedges where people enter through and use it as a drinking and drug taking den. “But, a major concern is there are now also disturbing reports of photographs being taken from behind the bushes and I have now got the PSNI involved.”

He added: “At Huguenot play park there are anti-social elements of people lighting fires and causing damage. Both these parks need to be better protected for children with locked gates and for repairs to be immediately made.”

In chambers, communities chairperson, Tim Mitchell (UUP) confirmed that he had also received reports of “vandalism” of the play park in his constituency. A Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council officer responded: “We are aware of maintenance concerns and we are taking steps to address those. We are also meeting with the PCSP (Policing and Community Safety Partnerships) and there will be a multi-agency response to the anti-social activities raised. An update will be brought back to the committee.”

The LDRS has contacted the PSNI for comment.

Chief Inspector Rocks said: “We have received photographs of alcohol packaging indicating anti-social behaviour in the Hilden area and we have conducted additional patrols as a result. “Lisburn and Castlereagh Council was also notified. We encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences such behaviour to report it directly to police on our non-emergency number 101 or online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.“We take all reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and use the information provided to build a clear picture of issues affecting our communities. This helps us work with local partners and community representatives to address concerns and keep neighbourhoods and play parks safe for everyone to utilise.”

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