Broughshane and District Community Association has said it is “deeply saddened” by an overnight attack on their premises.
A number of windows were broken and graffiti was sprayed on the walls at Broughshane House on Main Street in the village sometime in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 27th November.
The attack followed the village’s annual Christmas light switch-on event which took place on Saturday evening (23rd November). Deputy mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Sinn Féin Councillor Bréanainn Lyness attended the event and switched on the lights.
A spokesperson for the local community association said:
“Broughshane and District Community Association are deeply saddened by the attack on our premises.
“This mindless act of vandalism can be contrasted with the hugely successful and enjoyable Christmas Parade and Lights Switch-On event last Saturday when hundreds of children and adults came together to celebrate the start of our Christmas period.
“We call on anyone who can assist the police with their investigation into this vandalism to come forward with any information they may have. We also call on our community to unite to show these thugs that they don't represent us.”
Broughshane House is used by a number of organisations for office space and outreach projects, in service of the local community, including Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership, and the George Sloan Centre.
A spokesperson for Mid & East Antrim Agewell Partnership commented saying:
“It was with great sadness that our staff arrived at our offices in Broughshane House this morning to find the destruction caused to this community building overnight.
“Broughshane House is a vital community asset, run by dedicated staff and volunteers. It is home not only to our charity, Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership, but also to vulnerable adults who attend the George Sloan Centre’s Scope Programme daily.
“We cannot understand the mentality of those who would seek to damage their own community, and we appeal to everyone in Broughshane to come together in unity and support.
The spokesperson added:
“We want to reassure the Older People in our community that our services will continue without interruption.
“Anyone who needs support or assistance can contact us on 028 2565 8604.”
Police in Ballymena are investigating the report of criminal damage at Broughshane House.
PSNI Sergeant Kelly said:
"Police received a report at around 7.15am that windows of a business premises had been smashed along with graffiti sprayed on the premises' wall within the Main Street area.
“Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 176 27/11/24.”
A report can also be made using the online reporting form HERE.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online HERE