An arson attack at the Muckamore 3G Pitch in Co Antrim has been branded “barbaric” and an “attack on the community”.
The fire which took place on Monday night caused extensive damage to the pitch and it will remain closed to the public while repair works are carried out.
The council said the incident has been reported to police.
The mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly condemned the attack as “barbaric”.
“This barbaric act of vandalism in a community facility in the heart of Antrim is absolutely appalling. Unfortunately, this vandalism is not an isolated incident, play parks and toilet facilities are regularly subject to anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“Our facilities are there to serve the local community, to help with the health and wellbeing of our residents. However as a result of mindless acts of vandalism like this the Council has spent a staggering amount repairing damage to community facilities in the last year. This behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated.”
SDLP councillor Roisin Lynch said that the arson was “an attack on the community”.
“It’s deeply disheartening that an important community facility used by people from all over this area has been destroyed in this arson attack. The pitch will now be closed for some time while repairs take place and I know that many local groups who use these pitches will be disappointed as a result,” said councillor Lynch.
