Pokemon Go users blamed for damage to park

A local resident has claimed that Pokemon Go users are to blame for a section of grass needing to be repaired at a Newtownabbey park.
Pokemon Go. INNT 35-802CONPokemon Go. INNT 35-802CON
Pokemon Go. INNT 35-802CON

Speaking to the Times, the concerned resident who did not wish to be named said: “I was walking in the park yesterday (Wednesday) and noticed a section of grass having to be repaired by council staff.

“I walk regularly in the park and am aware of people coming to hunt for Pokemon as part of the new craze. On a number of occasions I have noticed that there are people driving on the grass in the search for these Pokemon and I am certain that they are the cause of the damage to the grass.”

The resident added: “It is good to see people coming and using the facilities in the open air, but don’t abuse the park. It is not right for them to drive onto the grass when there is no difficulty in finding a free car parking space.”

A council spokesperson said: “Hazelbank Park is extremely popular particularly during the summer months. Due to the volume of traffic using the car park, members of the public have been parking their vehicles on the grass areas.

Council are aware of the damaged area of grass which is currently cordoned off to allow officers to repair the damage. It is estimated that this will take approximately one week to allow the soil to be repaired and seed to be sown at minimal cost to the council.

“No complaints have been received in relation to Pokemon Go users on council facilities.”

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