A popular West Belfast playground was shut on Friday after vandals damaged equipment on site.
Dunville playground, which is within Dunville Park on the Falls Road, will remain closed for the next few weeks to allow for repairs to take place.
The damage was discovered by Belfast City Council officers on Friday January 14, sparking the immediate closure of the family space.
Belfast Live understands it will be several weeks before the gates of the park will be opened again.
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council said: "Dunville Park remains open to the public, however the playground has been closed due to vandalism and to allow repair work to be completed.
"We continue to work in partnership with the local community and statutory agencies, including the PSNI, to address anti-social behaviour and we would appeal to the public to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour or vandalism to the police, as well as our parks team."
People Before Profit MLA for West Belfast Gerry Carroll told Belfast Live: "Dunville Park is a really important amenity to the local community and especially since the pandemic hit when residents have really needed our parks and open spaces, which are vital for our young people as well as everyone’s physical and mental health.
"I know the Council are currently repairing damage at the park and I want to pay the tribute to the Council workers who work hard to provide us with these services all year around and deal with regrettable instances like this. Hopefully the damage can be repaired as soon as possible so that young people and families can re-use this vital space once again."
