Killyleagh meeting after arson attacks

Killyleagh meeting after arson attacks

18 January 2017

PEOPLE in Killyleagh have been urged to attend a public meeting at the Bridge Community Centre  next Monday night.

The meeting is being organised by the Co Down Rural Community Network at the request of Rowallane councillor Billy Walker, who hopes there will be support for reforming the town’s community group.

He believes it is essential Killyleagh has an organisation to represent and articulate the views of its residents and business community and that the new group has a meaningful role to play.

The meeting — which starts at 7.30pm — also provides an opportunity for local people to discuss a spate of arson attacks in the town over recent weeks.

Arsonists targeted an empty house at the Kerry estate last November while shortly after Christmas a fire was started at the former Royal British Legion premises in Catherine Street.

Two weekends ago, a show house under construction at a prestigious new private housing development at the Comber Road in the town was damaged in a blaze. The blaze left developers with a £20,000 repair bill.

Councillor Walker said the arson attacks have angered many people and hopes these feelings can be channelled in a positive way and encourage them to come forward to help form a new community group.

“Such an organisation can do so much for Killyleagh,” he declared. “Look at what has been achieved by groups in Saintfield, Crossgar and Ballynahinch in particular over recent years because local people have held their hand up to play a part in developing their towns and communities.

Councillor Walker confirmed that representatives from a number of statutory agencies have been invited to attend to next Monday night’s meeting, with officials form the Housing Executive and PSNI expected to be in attendance.

He continued: “Community groups are at the hub of their respective areas and in a position to access key funding streams and work for the common good. Next Monday night’s meeting provides an opportunity for people to have their say on the way forward for Killyleagh and get involved with a new community group which I believe has an important role to play.”

He added: “I would appeal to people to come along next Monday night to form a new community group which can play an integral role to re-establish Killyleagh’s good name. 

“Recent events have resulted in negative publicity which no one wants to see. A new community organisation can fight on behalf of local people, it can target funders and work alongside others to restore the town’s good name. That is what we all want to see.”