Appeal for return of maze bell

Appeal for return of maze bell

8 July 2015

THE theft of a large brass bell from the centre of the Millennium Peace Maze in Castlewellan has been condemned.

The bell was reported missing from the Castlewellan Forest Park maze on Friday morning and a local councillor has appealed for it to be returned.

The bell stands at the heart of the Peace Maze and is rung by people who solve the puzzle and make their way through to the centre of what has become a major tourist attraction.

Councillor Patrick Clarke has appealed for the return of the bell which has been removed from the maze for the second time.

“The original bell was also removed by thieves and most likely was sold for scrap and has never been found hence the replacement bell which was reinstated following a recent refurbishment of the Millennium Peace Maze which is a popular tourist attraction in Castlewellan Forest Park,” he said.

“The large brass type bell is a very popular attraction at the Millennium Peace Maze with many people enjoying the ringing tone.  The bell which is about 15 inches high and 12 inches in diameter and of brass material would certainly have been removed by more than one person.

“The motives for the removal of the bell must be to sell the bell as there can be no other legitimate reason why persons would take the time and effort at night to travel to Castlewellan Forest Park, remove and transport the large brass type bell.”

Mr. Clarke said there can be no logical reason for removing the bell which he believes is run over 500,000 times a year.

“I would strongly appeal to those who have removed the bell from the Millennium Peace Maze in Castlewellan Forest Park to do the right thing and return the bell so that the bell can be put back in its rightful place for people to enjoy,” he said.

“Members of the public with any information whatsoever regarding the missing bell can contact the Police on 101.”

The PSNI did not issue a statement or appeal over the missing bell.