Kids’ play equipment damaged and spraypainted in attack in Milltown
An award-winning children’s playground was spray-painted and damaged by mindless vandals over the weekend – drawing condemnation from a local Councillor born in the village.
Cllr Ollie Turner, who is a native of Milltown but now living in Dunmore, described it as a “despicable act” and has urged anyone who witnessed the incident to provide the Gardai with relevant information.
The vandalism was discovered by locals early on Friday morning last they were outraged by what had happened.
As one local told the Connacht Tribune, it would probably cost around €2 to purchase one of the spray paint tins from a discount supermarket but it will take around €500 clean the damage that has been caused.
Cllr Turner described the playground as one of the most popular amenities in the region, with hundreds of visitors regularly using the playground and adjacent river walk.
"It is both vexing and annoying to think that anyone would go to such lengths to deface and damage this wonderful amenity,” he said.
“The Milltown Playground and river walk is renowned all over the region for its beauty and tranquillity, so this type of vandalism is not going to be tolerated,” added Cllr Turner.
Local residents in the area have taken to social media to articulate their condemnation after the playground in the local area was vandalised.
Posting to Facebook, a concerned member of the Milltown community shared images showing several parts of the local playground graffitied by vandals.
“Very sad and annoyed this morning to have discovered the vandalism that has taken place in our lovely playground.
“It's just over five years since the playground was fully refurbished and it has been great asset to the community, giving an outlet for children to play and for parents to meet.
“If have anyone has any idea as to who is responsible for this damage or if you ever witness any vandalism, please report it to this page or locally.”
From what locals can establish, the vandalism appears to have happened sometime between 7pm and 8pm on Thursday evening last.
“That may help narrow down if anyone saw anything,” it was stated.
Pictured: Cllr Ollie Turner at Milltown Playground.