Anger as teenagers desecrate cemetery

Anger as teenagers desecrate cemetery

29 April 2015

CONCERN has been expressed about young people desecrating one of Killyleagh’s most historic sites. 

Mary’s Style is popular with local people and visitors to the town, but politicians are alarmed the area has been used as a meeting place for teenagers encouraged via social media to take part in what has been billed as a “rave in the grave.”

Rowallane councillors Billy Walker, Terry Andrews and Harry Harvey say they are shocked at reports that young people meeting up at the site — which was reopened a number of years ago by Prince Andrew — are taking drugs and drinking alcohol.

The entrance gate to Mary’s Style has been ripped from its mounting and rubbish strewn about graves at the site of the former ancient Kilowen Church where only a gable wall now remains. Beer bottles have also been smashed.

Councillor Walker described what’s been happening at the historic site over the past few weeks as “absolutely ridiculous” and said young people have also been lighting fires.

“There are old graves at Mary’s Style and the behaviour of these young people is nothing short of disgusting. All church property is sacrosanct and these teenagers are guilty of desecration,” he said.

Councillor Walker claimed young people from Killinchy, Comber and Crossgar are meeting up with their peers from Killyleagh to engage in what he described as “totally unacceptable behaviour.”

He said Down Council was previously responsible for keeping the ancient site clean and tidy and plans to raise his concerns with officials at the new Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

“Here we have a historic site visited by tourists while they are in Killyleagh which teenagers have turned into a party venue. It is disgraceful,” declared Councillor Walker , who said his concern is shared by fellow Rowallane councillors Terry Andrews and Harry Harvey.

The local politicians have been in contact with the PSNI, confirming officers are also concerned about the activities of the teenagers congregating at the site.

Councillor Walker added: “We would appeal to these young people to show respect for church property and a graveyard. This is no place to be holding any kind of party and these people need to move away.”