He said the locks, which were installed on the gate at the top of the ‘zig zag steps’ at the bottom of the Creggan Burn Park, would now be covered by additional security casings to prevent repeat damage in the future:
Said Cllr Cooper: “The locking of the gate at the zig zag steps has been universally welcomed by residents in the Lower Nassau/Grafton/Florence Street areas as it has prevented their streets being used as rat run by groups engaged in ASB in the area.
“The Council had agreed at my request to install the locks and for a local security firm to lock them at teatime on Friday and Saturday evenings during the winter months until new lighting is installed in the area in the future to prevent the area being used as a gathering point.
“I am disgusted that someone took it upon themselves to bust the lock but I am glad that the council have agreed to install additional casing to prevent this recurring in the future.
“Residents are entitled to live their lives in peace and I am determined to ensure that this continues to be the case,” he added.