Glencairn's Michelle Baird Memorial Park Closed Due to Vandalism

A beloved children's play space dedicated to the memory of the youngest victim of the 1993 Shankill bombing has been forced to close its gates following ongoing anti-social behaviour and serious damage in Glencairn.

Michelle Baird Memorial Park, named in honour of seven-year-old Michelle Baird, has been locked with a padlock after being repeatedly targeted. Ground damage initially caused by fireworks was worsened when older youths rode electric bikes through the area, undoing efforts to restore the ground. It is expected that the necessary repair works will cost thousands of pounds, leaving local families and young children without a safe place to play for the foreseeable future.

Representatives from the Glencairn Community Project expressed their deep sadness over the destruction, emphasising that the park serves as a place of reflection, remembrance, and community happiness. The group made a heartfelt plea to local parents to speak with their children about the significance of the park, reminding them to respect the equipment, the grounds, and the legacy of the young girl it honours.

In response to the incidents, Glencairn Youth Club announced it is holding anti-social behaviour workshops with intermediate members over the coming weeks. The sessions aim to help young people understand how vandalism impacts the entire neighbourhood and encourage them to take pride and responsibility in caring for shared community spaces.

Police in North Belfast confirmed they are aware of the ongoing concerns around anti-social behaviour and the illegal sale and use of fireworks in the Glencairn area, particularly in the run-up to Halloween. Neighbourhood Inspector Hamilton stated that officers will increase local patrols as the evenings grow darker, urging anyone with information on illegal fireworks or anti-social activity to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.