After months of terrorising staff, an NI council is to hire security firm for community centre

After months of terrorising staff, a NI council has employed a round the close security firm to protect staff at a community centre.
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Since the last bout of vandalism, the total repair bill and hiring a security firm at Brownlow Hub in Craigavon is to cost the taxpayer £16k.

Youths have left a trail of destruction at teh Hub costing Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in excess of £5k to repair.

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A spokesperson said: “They smashed windows, daubed graffiti on the building, destroyed tree guards, ruined children’s play equipment, caused extensive structural damage to walls and were extremely threatening, abusive and intimidating towards staff and security guards.

Brownlow Hub in Craigavon is badly damaged in attack.Brownlow Hub in Craigavon is badly damaged in attack.
Brownlow Hub in Craigavon is badly damaged in attack.

“The popular and much-used community facility has been targeted on multiple occasions since the summer, with youths taking to not only damaging property but also subjecting staff who work there to a sustained campaign of verbal abuse.

“With no signs of the anti-social elements dissipating and a duty of care to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of its staff, the Council has had to draft in a security firm at a cost of £5,500 per month to protect staff and premises seven days a week.

“It is anticipated that this additional layer of security will be in place for a minimum of two months in an attempt to help tackle the escalating problem, protect staff and deter youths from causing further damage.

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“At a time when Council finances are already under immense pressure, these unforeseen repair and security costs are putting undue burden on local ratepayers and wasting resources as staff are diverted away from their normal duties to help with cleaning-up the aftermath and repairing the damage.”

Brownlow Hub in Craigavon is badly damaged in attack.Brownlow Hub in Craigavon is badly damaged in attack.
Brownlow Hub in Craigavon is badly damaged in attack.

Speaking about the worrying increase in vandalism within the grounds of Brownlow Hub and neighbouring residential area, Lord Mayor Councillor Kevin Savage, said: “This mindless vandalism on Council property and harassment of staff at Brownlow Hub needs to stop now. It serves no purpose and will not be tolerated in this area or elsewhere in the borough.

“Youths engaging in the malicious destruction of property and hostile interactions with staff need to take a long hard look at how their actions are impacting others and see the error of their ways. Times are hard enough without making other people’s lives more miserable through their mischievous acts. They are deceiving themselves if they think their actions have no consequences.

“Apart from wasting limited Council and police resources, they are degrading the overall appearance of the area, building and play park. They are ruining the quality of life for local residents who fear their property will be targeted.

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“They are causing much distress to Council staff who do a sterling job in providing activities and services to the local community. Centre and play park users miss out when temporary closures are needed to clean up the vandalism and repair the damage.

Brownlow Hub in Craigavon is badly damaged in attack.Brownlow Hub in Craigavon is badly damaged in attack.
Brownlow Hub in Craigavon is badly damaged in attack.

“I appeal to parents to make an extra effort to keep a closer eye on their children’s whereabouts and activities. Make sure your child knows how a senseless act of vandalism could jeopardise their future prospects.” 

“A couple of youths have already been accompanied home by the police much to the dismay of their parents who are worried that they are starting out in life with a criminal record.

The Council and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon PCSP are continuing to work closely with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, other statutory partners and community representatives to deter further acts of vandalism at this facility.

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Meanwhile the PSNI has branded the latest attack as well as ongoing attacks on the Hub as ‘completely unacceptable’.

A spokesperson said: “Staff should not be in fear in their workplace nor should the community have to accept their local asset being damaged!

“Parents please educate with your children. We do not want to criminalise them and have done our best to divert them away from the area. However this continues to be a problem.

“Over the last week two young people have been identified as offending in the area and will unfortunately have to face the consequences of their actions,” said police.

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Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon PCSP also condemned the latest icident.

Posting a number of photos on social media, it said: “This is the damage that has been caused over the past several months to The Hub in Brownlow – a facility for all the community, including children and young people.

“This is not just anti-social behaviour, it is criminal damage with consequences that could lead to young people entering the criminal justice system.

“Would you like to come to work to broken windows or fear of intimation? This is what The Hub’s staff are dealing with every day.

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“We are asking parents / guardians to make sure you know where your children are and what they are doing – a parent received a shock when one of their children was brought home by police due to being involved in this type of behaviour. Make sure it is not one of your children.”

Ulster Unionist Cllr Ken Twyble condemned the attacks and voiced concern that staff at the Hub are working in fear.

DUP Cllr Margaret Tinsley said: “I am so angry at this latest attack on the Brownlow Hub. I have questions for those involved. Why are you doing this and what do you hope to achieve?

“Do those involved who continue to damage the Brownlow Hub not realise that this facility is there to benefit the whole community and each time it is damaged is money taken away from other community projects.

“It is unacceptable and has to stop.”

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