Anger after vandals strike at new park

Anger after vandals strike at new park

16 January 2013

PEOPLE across the district are being urged to do what they can to combat vandalism and anti-social behaviour problems in their respective areas.

Down Council chairman Mickey Coogan said many people are “frustrated” at what is happening in their areas and expressed his anger at a recent vandal attack at the historic Windmill Hill area in his home town of Ballynahinch.

A number of interpretative panels at the top of the hill were ripped from their holder and thrown on the ground, a move which has frustrated people who live nearby.

Councillor Coogan said he was alerted to the damage by residents at the Windmill Avenue area in the town and that after speaking with them, was struck by their feeling of helplessness.”

He continued: “There’s a perception that the PSNI, Down Council and Social Services are doing or can do little or nothing to prevent underage drinking and vandalism and communities are almost resigned to the fact that they just have to accept it.

“To remove all of these issues completely would be difficult if not impossible but it should not mean that we just give up or that we don’t invest in our local communities.”

Councillor Coogan said when Down Council and the Woodland Trust joined together to regenerate the historic Windmill Hill, they did so to provide a facility for the community.

He said both organisations involved the local community in the project, with the council chairman meeting with pupils from St. Patrick’s Primary School who were involved in a planting scheme on the hill itself.

“When we sign off on these projects we are aware of the risk of vandalism and some would argue why bother? But we are also aware of the value of the project to the local community and that is and always should be the deciding factor,” the chairman continued.

“I was angered to see the vandalism at the Windmill Hill and, like many others, felt a bit frustrated and helpless. I have contacted Down Council’s Parks Department to ensure that the damaged signs are replaced.”

The council chairman has also contacted the Policing & Community Safety Partnership to arrange a meeting with local residents, schools, sporting groups and statutory agencies to try and find ways to work together to try and deal with the wider issues of anti-social behaviour.

In the meantime, he’s encouraging anyone with information about the recent vandalism at the Windmill Hill to pass it on to him or the relevant agency.