Derry City and Strabane District Council will present a report on CCTV at the Castle Park play area in Castlederg. The review follows repeated vandalism including smashed glass and debris strewn across the site.

Council staff have conducted regular clean-ups to remove hazards posing risks to children and families. These efforts have diverted resources from other services.

Sinn Féin councillor Ruairí McHugh, serving as mayor, raised the matter at a monthly council meeting. He noted the vandalism as minor but expressed concern it could worsen over summer. McHugh requested a report on the status of existing CCTV and options for new cameras.

Ulster Unionist councillor Derek Hussey called the anti-social behaviour disgraceful. He praised council staff for clean-ups over several weeks. Hussey urged the PSNI to increase presence in Castlederg, Newtownstewart, and Sion Mills, citing resource needs for the neighbourhood policing team.

Hussey also called on the Policing and Community Safety Partnership to improve rural community warden coverage. He asked council to reinstate or install cameras at the play area, noting some spots remain out of sight despite lighting.

DUP alderman Keith Kerrigan stated the issue was discussed at a PCSP meeting. He noted limited funding prevents a dedicated rural community safety warden team but confirmed four warden visits to Castlederg in the past three months. Kerrigan mentioned potential PSNI resources for neighbourhood teams and supported CCTV installation.

Mayor McHugh confirmed the report will cover current CCTV status and future options. The document will go before the council's Health and Communities committee.