Condemnation after lead theft at Orange hall

Condemnation after lead theft at Orange hall

15 May 2024

A LEADING government department has been asked to include money in any future grant support for rural halls to include security measures.

The appeal to the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs comes after thieves recently targeted Ballykilbeg Orange Hall and stole lead flashing from the roof.

Condemning the incident, Slieve Croob councillor Alan Lewis described what happened as “disappointing” given than a lot of work had recently been completed to upgrade the hall.

He said the rural facility is regularly used as hub for the local community and hosts various events and functions throughout the year.

“There is a strong community of Orange activists, an up and coming Ulster Scots Association, band and other groups which regularly use the hall,” Cllr Lewis revealed.

Last weekend, he visited a coffee morning the hall and has emphasised the importance ofprotect such facilities.

“Grants should be made available which would directly contribute to increased security at such halls,” Cllr Lewis continued.

“I have written to Stormont rural affairs minister Andrew Muir requesting that any future halls refurbished scheme includes direct provision for the purchase of security infrastructure.

“There is a need to act urgently, make funds available for the protection of rural halls, especially Orange halls as they are viewed as an easy target both in terms of theft and vandalism.”

Cllr Lewis said those responsible and who “skulk around in the dead of night thieving from their neighbours”, have zero shame, no sense of belonging or community spirit. 

He continued: “Thieves purposely ripped lead from the roof of the Ballykilbeg hall to line their own pockets and in the full knowledge that they were damaging the hall. Thankfully, the theft was discovered and the damage rectified before the rain got in.”

Cllr Lewis said he has spoken at great length on the need for closer police attention to be given to rural halls, which in the past have been victim of vandalism and theft. 

He added: “Time to step up the effort with appropriate realisation given the fact that Orange halls are regularly targeted given their rural setting and lack of financial aid for increased protection.”