Residents living close to a Belfast City Centre playpark are fearful of the reported anti-social behaviour that plagues it, one father has said.
Cathedral Gardens, formally known as Buoy Park, was designed by toddlers and primary school children. The £250,000 project was funded by Belfast City Council, with £93,000 additional funding provided by the Stormont Department for Communities.
And while the council says they are aware of the ongoing issues at the site and are working to tackle them, residents say they still feel like more should be done. Some have even stopped bringing their children to the park, for fear of the broken glass on the floor.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, one man said: "Recently it has become an area for teenagers to congregate, and they have destroyed the park. Fake grass has been burned and there is graffiti everywhere.
"It’s a disgrace to have such an eye sore in the Belfast City Centre area. Police have been contacted in the past to deal with anti social behaviour. But nothing has been done to stop the congregation and blatant disregard for the park.
"I live in the area and it’s sad that I can no longer take my family to this shared space. I remember the park when it was Buoy Park and at that time, it was a quiet space.
"The pop up park opened in 2020 and at first this was a very nice, and family friendly public space. I used to take my son there, and he really enjoyed it.
"It was great having a city centre park so close to our home and it was so bright and vibrant with the sound of children laughing and having fun. However, as time has went on the park has become a place where teenagers now congregate, smoking, drinking and destroying the park.
"It is not a safe place for anyone to bring their family to, and certainly not somewhere I have taken my son in recent times. Which is sad. I have noticed zero police presence in the park and could never understand when so many teenagers were gathered, and blatantly and openly causing damage to public property and drinking in public.
"I have spoken to other residents and they agree. This is no longer a safe family space, and they avoid the park. Some won’t even walk through. They feel intimidated by the groups of youths. We should not have to feel this way in our city. The issue needs addressed. The police need to have a presence in the park and the groups of youths need moved on."
A Belfast City Council spokesperson told Belfast Live that the council is are aware of the issues at Cathedral Gardens and "continue to focus operations to the area which includes street cleaning, emptying litter bins and power washing".
They added: "We also continue to work with statutory, community and voluntary partners as part of a multi-agency response to tackle the more complex issues, which includes responding to anti-social behaviour in the area. Cathedral Gardens is set to be transformed as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment scheme, which will aim to create a welcoming space for locals, visitors and students to enjoy all year round."
Sergeant David Murphy said: “Anti-social behaviour continues to be a problem in this area, and Buoy Park, unfortunately, appears to be a target for vandalism and rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour.
“People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe to use local amenities within their communities and those who choose engage in anti-social and criminal behaviour must understand that it is unacceptable. We would ask parents and guardians to speak to their young people and always be aware of what they are doing. Now is the time to remind them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in injuring themselves, others, or ultimately, a criminal record.
“I want to reassure the community that our officers continue to carry out patrols in this area and I would encourage anyone who witnesses any anti-social or criminal behaviour to report any incidents to us immediately on the non-emergency number 101. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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