Menu
18/09/2002
Vandals destroy new sports facility before opening
A series of sustained attacks on a new sports facility, before it has even opened its doors, have left it completely unusable Belfast City Council confirmed today.
Over the summer months, vandals caused an estimated £10,000-worth of damage to the brand new £200,000 pavilion at Woodlands Playing Fields in Finaghy, which was only completed at the beginning of July.
The Council is also having to spend up to £15,000 installing new security fencing in a bid to prevent further destruction.
Councillor Margaret Crooks, Chair of the Council’s Parks and Amenities Sub-Committee, today condemned what she described as “a premeditated and concentrated campaign of destruction”.
The attacks on the pavilion, which is owned by Belfast City Council and was to have been managed by St Agnes GAC on behalf of the South Antrim Board of the GAA, started almost as soon as building work was completed.
Belfast City Council has taken steps to secure the building, including welding steel plates across all the windows, but the facility will not be opened again until full repairs have been carried out and palisade-type security fencing installed around the perimeter.
Councillor Crooks said: “This was a wanton campaign carried out by hooligans intent on premeditated destruction – a campaign that has left this magnificent facility, so appreciated by the local sporting community, now totally unusable.
“Belfast City Council has finite resources for providing recreational and sports facilities for the enjoyment of the vast majority of the people of the City, and there are many demands placed upon these resources. It is almost inevitable that some of these demands now may not be met as we have to meet the cost of repairing this destruction.”
(MB)
Over the summer months, vandals caused an estimated £10,000-worth of damage to the brand new £200,000 pavilion at Woodlands Playing Fields in Finaghy, which was only completed at the beginning of July.
The Council is also having to spend up to £15,000 installing new security fencing in a bid to prevent further destruction.
Councillor Margaret Crooks, Chair of the Council’s Parks and Amenities Sub-Committee, today condemned what she described as “a premeditated and concentrated campaign of destruction”.
The attacks on the pavilion, which is owned by Belfast City Council and was to have been managed by St Agnes GAC on behalf of the South Antrim Board of the GAA, started almost as soon as building work was completed.
Belfast City Council has taken steps to secure the building, including welding steel plates across all the windows, but the facility will not be opened again until full repairs have been carried out and palisade-type security fencing installed around the perimeter.
Councillor Crooks said: “This was a wanton campaign carried out by hooligans intent on premeditated destruction – a campaign that has left this magnificent facility, so appreciated by the local sporting community, now totally unusable.
“Belfast City Council has finite resources for providing recreational and sports facilities for the enjoyment of the vast majority of the people of the City, and there are many demands placed upon these resources. It is almost inevitable that some of these demands now may not be met as we have to meet the cost of repairing this destruction.”
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 January 2024
Nominations Sought For 2024 Belfast Sports Awards
Belfast City Council has called for nominations for the 2024 Belfast Sports Awards, which aims to recognise the hard work and dedication of those involved in sport, from grassroots level to the very top of the international sporting arena.
Nominations Sought For 2024 Belfast Sports Awards
Belfast City Council has called for nominations for the 2024 Belfast Sports Awards, which aims to recognise the hard work and dedication of those involved in sport, from grassroots level to the very top of the international sporting arena.
17 October 2013
Belfast Council Launches Business Development Programme
Local manufacturers are being offered help with reducing costs and increasing profits through a new business development programme funded by Belfast City Council. The Manufacturing Efficiency Programme is open to small and medium-sized companies in the city from the manufacturing subsectors.
Belfast Council Launches Business Development Programme
Local manufacturers are being offered help with reducing costs and increasing profits through a new business development programme funded by Belfast City Council. The Manufacturing Efficiency Programme is open to small and medium-sized companies in the city from the manufacturing subsectors.
10 January 2024
Transformation Of Waterworks And Alexandra Parks Proposed
Belfast City Council is seeking input on the proposed redevelopment and transformation of north Belfast's Waterworks and Alexandra parks. Redevelopment plans include upgrades to entrances, paths, lighting, signage, play parks, bridges and pitches at both parks. Refurbishment and essential safety work is also planned at both parks' reservoirs.
Transformation Of Waterworks And Alexandra Parks Proposed
Belfast City Council is seeking input on the proposed redevelopment and transformation of north Belfast's Waterworks and Alexandra parks. Redevelopment plans include upgrades to entrances, paths, lighting, signage, play parks, bridges and pitches at both parks. Refurbishment and essential safety work is also planned at both parks' reservoirs.
19 September 2018
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
15 March 2004
St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has challenged claims that the Council is not supporting St Patrick’s Day in Belfast. It follows a protest outside Belfast City Hall last week by the St Patrick's Carnival Committee who claim the Council isn't funding this year's event at the City Hall.
St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has challenged claims that the Council is not supporting St Patrick’s Day in Belfast. It follows a protest outside Belfast City Hall last week by the St Patrick's Carnival Committee who claim the Council isn't funding this year's event at the City Hall.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
