VANDALS have been urged to stop setting trees on fire at the Tobar Mhuire Passionist Retreat and Conference Centre in Crossgar.
The appeal comes after two large trees, which were left weakened after being set on fire in previous months, fell last week.
The trees caused an estimated £10,000 worth of damage to the centre’s fence which borders on to Kilmore Rec FC’s ground.
A Facebook post said: “We would like to stress how dangerous this type of vandalism can be. This could have taken place during a game or while someone was walking past.
“We appeal to everyone involved to think before carrying out such acts of environmental damage; destruction to the local community and Tobar Mhuire.”
Referring to May when the grounds of the retreat centre were targeted by anti-social behaviour, the post continued: “Tobar Mhuire has enough damage throughout the year around our grounds without having to deal with these acts of vandalism also.”
The grounds are popular with local people for jogging and walks. Tobar Mhuire has previously warned that it may need to curtail the public open access to its grounds due to “the behaviour of a few people”.
It hosted a successful and well-attended two-day Christmas Fair last week and is currently running a promotion to fund the £10,000 needed to repair the damage caused by the trees.
There are still tickets at £50 each available in its 200 Club where 200 people will have the chance to win the first prize of £1,000, two second-place prizes of £500 and five third-place prizes of £200 on Saturday, December 21.