Vandalism could hold up new amenity centre

Vandalism could hold up new amenity centre

19 September 2018

WORK on Downpatrick’s new £1m ultra-modern civic amenity centre at the Flying Horse Road in the town could be delayed if repeated vandals attacks don’t end, a local politician has warned.

Work on the centre — which will replace an existing facility at nearby Cloonagh Road on the outskirts of the town — started several months ago.

Since then, expensive machinery belonging to contractors has been damaged on several occasions and concern is mounting that if the attacks continue, the completion of the much-needed scheme will be delayed indefinitely.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is building the new centre, designed to be one of the most modern of its kind, as the current facility continues to struggle to keep pace with increasing demand.

Given the increasing numbers of people who use the facility, local authority officials say it is vital work on its replacement is completed as quickly as practically possible, with the attacks on contractors vehicles described as a “major cause for concern.” 

It is expected that it will be early 2019 before the new amenity centre opens for business with one local politician appealing for an end to the spate of vandal attacks.

Downpatrick councillor Gareth Sharvin has strongly condemned those responsible and revealed senior council officials have held meetings with the PSNI to discuss the Flying Horse Road issue.

“Over the past number of weeks the site has been targeted by vandals who have damaged several mechanical vehicles,” he confirmed.

“These attacks have impacted on the progress of delivering the new centre for the community of Downpatrick and significantly improving the availability for a modern recycling site for residents.”

Cllr Sharvin appealed to those responsible for the trouble to stop and consider the impact of their actions on delivering the eagerly-awaited new centre for the people of Downpatrick and wider Lecale area. 

“If the vandalism continues, this could delay the project long term as the construction site would become unsafe for anyone to work at,” he declared.

“An emergency meeting has already been held between council officials and local police to tackle this continuing issue, with the talks focusing on what can be done to secure the site and make it a safe environment for people to continue to work.”

Describing the meeting between local authority officials and the police as “extremely worthwhile,” Cllr Sharvin confirmed the PSNI intends to increase patrols in the Flying Horse Road area in a bid to deter future attacks. He also said a new on-site 24-hour security system will be introduced.

He also confirmed the local authority plans to install the cameras across the site as part of a series of measures to help stop attacks and identify anyone who engages in any future anti-social activity.

“All security measures will be put in place over the coming days and it is hoped construction work can recommence early next week to get this important project back on track,” he added.