‘Senseless’ vandalism as trees cut down at forest

‘Senseless’ vandalism as trees cut down at forest

13 April 2022

THE behaviour of vandals who ran amok at Drumkeeragh Forest Park last weekend has been described as “unacceptable and senseless”.

Several trees were cut down with empty alcohol bottles and cans strewn about the place, with a number car tyre marks discovered in the main parking area at the forest park near Ballynahinch.

Local Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Lewis has strongly condemned those responsible for the damage and has urged local police to step up patrols in the area. 

He said he has been left “bitterly disappointed” at what happened in an area where almost £500,000 has been invested over recent years to upgrade walking trails and the car park, alongside the provision of litter and dog fouling bins. 

Cllr Lewis — who is also the current chairman of the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership — said the forest park was widely used as a recreation facility.

“Given the huge level of investment, it is “shameful” that some have sought to damage the great work which has been done,” he said.

Cllr Lewis said he was contacted early last Saturday morning by a man who had been out walking his dogs and came across the damage.

“He discovered that some of the trails had been blocked by fallen trees and, upon closer inspection, discovered that it was obvious the trees had been deliberately cut down or hacked. This is simply, unacceptable and senseless vandalism,” he declared.

“Those responsible must be pretty bored and void of reason to find themselves in a forest late on a Friday evening cutting down trees.”

After visiting the forest park to view the scale of the damage, Cllr Lewis said he collected a large number of discarded alcohol tins and bottles.

“It was obvious that cars had been spinning around the car park leaving tyre marks and this area is going to be destroyed. Those responsible need to stop as there are plenty of local bars they can go to. Drumkeeragh is a unique asset, which Newry, Mourne and Down Council has invested heavily in and I will not allow it to be wrecked.”

Cllr Lewis added: ”I have asked that the forest park is added to the PSNI patrol list and that council officers also keep an eye out to ensure the place is kept clean and tidy.”