Drug dens uncovered near Downpatrick town centre

Drug dens uncovered near Downpatrick town centre

THREE drug dens have been uncovered in the centre of Downpatrick just days before thousands of visitors arrive for the town’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The dens were uncovered in the Grove area in the shadow of Down Cathedral which will be one of the main focal points for visitors this Saturday.

Equipment used by drug users including tin foil, spoons, cellophane wallets and plastic bottles was found in three separate locations during a community clean-up of the area last weekend involving young people and police.

The drug dens were uncovered by councillor Colin McGrath who was taking part in the event in his capacity as a youth leader. He is “shocked and angered” at what he came across and revealed large undergrowth was used to disguise the location of the dens which are believed to have been in place for some time.

“There will be thousands of people in Downpatrick this Saturday and I am glad these dens were uncovered and that the equipment left by drug users has been removed,” said Councillor McGrath.

“The Grove will be one of the locations busy with people this weekend as they make their way to the Cathedral, the St. Patrick Centre and the Down County Museum.”

Councillor McGrath said young people involved in last weekend’s clean-up were diverted away from the drug dens once they had been discovered and confirmed none of them came into contact with any of the equipment uncovered.

He explained the clean-up was organised in advance of St. Patrick’s Day to make the Grove area cleaner, given the large number of visitors making their way to Downpatrick this weekend.

“I am angry that drug users have been hiding in undergrowth at a town centre beauty spot to engage in illegal activity. This behaviour is totally unacceptable and I have asked police to increase patrols in this part of the town,” declared the Downpatrick councillor.

“During the clean-up it became obvious that people are using the Grove as a drug den, with evidence of bottles being used to consume drugs, empty plastic wallets and classic signs such as tin foil and spoons. This is totally unacceptable for our town centre and is an issue that must be addressed.”

The Downpatrick councillor said the PSNI has agreed to increase patrols in the Grove area and he has asked the council to cut back dense areas of undergrowth that are providing cover for drug users.

He added: “A substantial clean up of the Grove will now be required and i hope this will take place as a matter of urgency so our town centre continues to become a safe place for people to visit.”