The award-winning visitor attraction has been targeted in a spate of graffiti incidents, causing significant damage to the historic site. This anti-social behaviour has been linked to a group of youths moving throughout Antrim Town, other areas affected include Antrim Mall, The Barbican Gate, Antrim Forum and Ulster Bar Corner.
The Council is working closely with the PSNI and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) to deter further incidents and has introduced a number of measures to address the issue, including an increased security-warden presence on site.
Chair of Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, a local Antrim resident, has called on the public to support efforts to stop this behaviour.
“The recent vandalism at Antrim Castle Gardens is extremely disappointing and completely unacceptable. This is a much-valued public space, enjoyed by residents, families and visitors to Antrim and deliberate acts of vandalism have a direct impact on the wider community. There is no place for this type of anti-social behaviour. I want to reassure residents that the PCSP, Council and PSNI are working together to respond to these incidents and to increase visibility and reassurance within the Gardens and the surrounding area.
“I would encourage anyone with information about these incidents to report it to the PSNI. It is important that we work collectively to protect our public spaces and ensure that Antrim Castle Gardens remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone.”
To report anti-social behaviour please contact the PSNI by calling 101
