SDLP South Down MLA Sean Rogers has said those responsible for setting alight Knocknashinna play park in Downpatrick last night have attacked local children’s right to play in a safe area.
The new play facility was opened by Down District Council last year at a cost of £250,000.
Mr Rogers said: “The destruction of this fantastic play facility for local children is totally sickening. It is an attack on the Downpatrick community, on the right of local children to play in a safe area and on hardworking ratepayers who funded this play park.
“With Council resources tight, it’s not easy to come up with the money for this type of facility and to set it on fire is absolutely mindless. In the aftermath of the Olympics, increased efforts are being made to try to engage children in sport, play and a healthy lifestyle but this kind of wanton vandalism is a slap in the face to that work.
“I strongly appeal to anyone who knows who was responsible for this arson attack to contact the police immediately.”
