Lights go out on traffic signs after vandalism

Lights go out on traffic signs after vandalism

26 October 2016

A COMMUNITY group has appealed for an end to trouble at two of Downpatrick’s largest housing estates.

The appeal by the Flying Horse Ward Community Forum comes after Transport NI ordered the removal of a set of traffic lights at the Killough Road. The lights, which have been set on fire on three occasions since the summer, have cost £30,000 to repair. 

The lights were totally destroyed in an arson attack last July and while they were replaced, two other attempts were made to destroy them, most recently two weeks ago. Last Friday morning, the lights were removed by contractors following consultation with local councillors, the PSNI and community groups.

Kathy Mullan, who is the community group’s vice-chairman, said talks were also held recently with Translink officials after the window of a bus travelling along the Ballynoe Road was smashed on Tuesday evening of last week by a missile.

“Thankfully, Translink has agreed not to suspend its services in this area but has warned that if there are any more incidents it may well do so,” she confirmed.

“The Forum is pleased Translink is to maintain bus services at this part of Downpatrick as any withdrawal would impact on young families and the elderly in particular, not those responsible for the trouble. Targeting buses has implications for drivers and passengers and we are acutely aware of this.”

Mrs Mullan said the Killough Road area was quiet last weekend and hopes the situation will remain so. She said while there will be people concerned the traffic lights have been removed from a busy road, the Forum understands the reason behind the decision.

“There are a lot of young people who live at this part of Downpatrick and it is important to make clear that just a handful are responsible for the trouble in the area. The vast majority of children and young teenagers are well behaved and it would be wrong to paint them all with the same brush.

“The Forum would appeal to parents to check where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing. While the troublemakers are in the minority, their behaviour is doing nothing for the image of this part of Downpatrick which has secured millions of pounds in funding over recent years.”

Mrs Mullan said while there have been a series of meetings involving community officials and representatives from a number of statutory organisations no one has come up with solutions to address the anti-social behaviour issue at this part of Downpatrick.

“Some argue there is nothing for young people to do but this simply isn’t true. There are lots of facilities including a multi-million pound sports and well-being centre.”

Mrs Mullan said the Model Farm and Flying Horse areas have been transformed over recent years with many people now owning their own homes. She said compared to 30 years ago, the area has changed completely.

The Forum official added: “No one wants to see this area going back to the way it was. Many people have an important role to play to ensure there is no more trouble, none more so than local parents. We appeal to them to use their influence to encourage their children to stay out of trouble.”

A Transport NI spokeswoman confirmed that following consultation with local elected representatives, PSNI and community groups, it was agreed it would remove the crossing facilities at the Killough Road.

She added: “Transport NI has a duty of care to pedestrians using this facility. Since June this year, almost  £30,000 has been spent making repairs to this site. 

“The damage caused on a nightly basis has made this site untenable.  Transport NI has no plans to reinstate the crossing at this time.”