Councillor hits out at vandalism on Bloody Bridge

Councillor hits out at vandalism on Bloody Bridge

23 July 2025

VANDALISM at a historic site on the outskirts of Newcastle has been condemned by a local councillor.

An increase in disorderly behaviour and litter at the Bloody Bridge area has prompted Mournes councillor Jill Truesdale to roundly condemn those responsible and express dismay at what’s happening.

Cllr Truesdale said the recent warm weather has seen a rise in general rubbish, disposable barbecues, clothing and towels as people head to pools to swim. 

“Very few people if any bring their rubbish back down to the bins in the car park, preferring to leave it to the National Trust rangers and the good will of people” she said. 

“Anyone with any respect for the natural environment knows there are a number of dangers associated with leaving this type of rubbish behind you. Fires, hazards to other people, hazardous to wildlife and blowing into the rivers and out to the sea.”

Cllr Truesdale said that the arch bridge under the road has been “freshly covered in graffiti”.

She said this area is managed by Newry, Mourne and Down Council and can be very difficult to clean due to its location.

But Cllr Truesdale said if the message is to encourage visitors to the area, then plans must be in place to deal with this.

“The National Trust operate on a policy of accessibility and therefore welcome everyone to the properties they look after. They do not welcome this ruinous behaviour at a site of historical importance,” she declared.

Cllr Truesdale said the Bloody Bridge has proven to be a valuable place to set up command centres if there are wildfires in the Mournes, acting as a multi-agency safe space from which to direct the numerous agencies involved.

The Mournes councillor said she has “long advocated for” a team of multi-agency permanent rangers working across the Mournes from the lower slopes at Bloody Bridge and Donard Wood to the top of Donard “educating and enforcing the rules where necessary”.