‘Negative’ graffiti tarnishing Newcastle

‘Negative’ graffiti tarnishing Newcastle

6 March 2024

A WARNING has been issued that graffiti artists are placing Newcastle’s reputation as a welcoming and attractive destination at risk.

Mournes councillor, Willie Clarke, said those responsible for recent incidents at the Islands Park and St Patrick’s Park areas are tarnishing the town, revealing that there have also been a number of random graffiti attacks in Castlewellan.

News of that graffiti was painted on a number of buildings in Newcastle comes as the resort prepares for the prestigious Irish Open at Royal County Down later this year and the potential return of the international Festival of Flight in 2025.

Cllr Clarke labelled the upsurge in graffiti incidents as “concerning” with a number of landmark.  buildings and public spaces singled for “unauthorised attacks” which left unsightly markings.

He is particularly concerned at what happened at the Islands Park and St 

Patricks Park.

“The negative impact of what is happening in Newcastle and Castlewellan has repercussions for the local community and the region’s vital tourism industry,” Cllr Clarke declared.

“Graffiti tarnishes our beautiful towns and not only damages our physical environment, but also sends a negative message to residents and visitors alike.”

More worryingly, the Mournes councillor said the graffiti poses a threat to Newcastle’s reputation as a welcoming and attractive destination. 

“As the town prepares for the upcoming tourist season, I have contacted the local PSNI Inspector and will be raising this issue with the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership as well. Urgent action is needed to address this issue,” Cllr Clarke insisted.

“It is important to tackle graffiti head-on. Graffiti is unsightly, makes people feel unsafe and can lead to further criminal activity.”

Also this week, Cllr Clarke has called on the Department for Infrastructure to address a drainage issue at King Street in the resort. He said the lack of regular maintenance has led to severe ponding, posing significant challenges for pedestrians navigating the area.

Cllr Clarke said there’s a need for vegetation and silt to be removed from a number of locations along King Street.

He added: “Targeted efforts to remove vegetation and accumulated silt are essential alongside drain jetting to prevent future blockages and maintain a healthy drainage system.”