Demolition planned for Downpatrick complexes

Demolition planned for Downpatrick complexes

4 July 2012 - by David Telford

TWO former health service complexes in Downpatrick are to be demolished to prevent them being vandalised.

The former St. John’s House care home and the health clinic, both in Pound Lane, are to be demolished “as soon as possible” because of the increasing number of vandalism attacks, including arson.

Arsonists targeted the former care home twice within three days recently and concern is mounting that they will strike again. The former health clinic has also been attacked by arsonists and has been the subject of repeated vandalism incidents.

Residents in the John Street area were concerned the vacant buildings — owned by the South Eastern Trust — would become a magnet for increased anti-social behaviour, particularly over the summer months.

They say the former Downe Hospital has become an eyesore since it was vacated three years ago and feared both St. John’s and the Pound Lane clinic could end up in a similar state.

News that the bulldozers are set to move in was confirmed on Monday. The Trust said demolition work will provide clear sites for any future purchaser and will enable the Trust to dispose of the former hospital site which includes St. John’s House and the former clinic.

A Trust spokeswoman said salvageable material has been removed from the former care home and this work is now progressing at the Pound Lane clinic before both buildings are demolished.

She added: “The Trust acknowledges the need to deter against vandalism and nuisance to local residents and will continue to work with the local authorities to this end. We would like to take the opportunity to reassure the community of the Trust’s best intentions.”

Residents have welcomed the Trust decision which they say will “remove temptation” from young people who engage in anti-social behaviour.

Former fireman and John Street resident Dermot Norton said there is no doubt that St. John’s and the Pound Lane clinic should be demolished. He said the fact two attempts were made within three days to set fire to St. John’s is “unfortunately a sign of things to come.”

He continued: “These buildings are a magnet for young people and my biggest fear is that those who attempt to set fire to them could become trapped inside.

“There is an obvious need to remove the attraction of two vacant buildings from young people and the only way to do that is to demolish them immediately,” he declared.

The John Street resident also voiced concern about children running around the former Downe Hospital site adjacent to St. John’s House which he said has become their play area.

Mr. Norton added: “Children are smashing windows and climbing on top of the main building. My big fear is that a young person is going to end up getting seriously injured and no one wants to see that happening.”