Local young people from the Saint's Youth Centre and Lagmore Youth Project have been praised after they donated money they had raised for trips to cover the cost of repairing Christmas decorations which were damaged by vandals overnight.
Police were called to the Christmas tree at Colin Connect on Wednesday morning after the lights had been pulled down overnight and the tree itself damaged.
Upon learning of the damage, young people from the local youth centres offered to donate the money that they had raised for trips to cover the cost of repairing the damage and to allow a Christmas event which had been organised by the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership to go ahead.
Speaking to Belfast Live, local MLA Danny Baker praised the young people for their selfless act.
"Every year we have the Christmas tree and the great event which is put on by the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership with volunteers from across the Colin area, including our young people and it is always a massive success," he said.
"This is the first year we have had this where the tree has been put up and the lights only for them then to be damaged.
"Unfortunately our young people get a negative press collectively and that is not a true reflection. WHat happened this morning was the community rallied together. We had a number of groups, a number of individuals and in particular our young people who donated their money to get it fixed.."
Baloo Hire also donated a cherry picker to allow the lights to be put back up which reduced the costs needed to repair the damage.
"I thought it was a lovely touch from our young people and the whole community to come together and get it sorted so quickly," he added.
"Everything is back on track and we are set for a great night tomorrow when Santa comes to Colin."
Santa will arrive at Colin Town Square on Thursday night from 6pm where there will be live music alongside a host of stalls and activities.
Sergeant Rooney said: “Shortly after 9.15am today, Wednesday 4th December, it was reported that a fence surrounding a Christmas tree in the Stewartstown Road area had been pulled down, and its lights removed and strewn across the surrounding area. As a result, a significant cost has been incurred by a local community group to repair the damage.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to identify who was responsible for this damage, and we are appealing to anyone who might have any information which may assist us to get in touch.
“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 322 of 04/12/24.”
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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