Derelict hall is the latest arson target

7 November 2012

ANOTHER derelict public building in Downpatrick has been severely damaged by arsonists.

The former Ballyvange Community Centre, in the Flying Horse estate, was set alight in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Downpatrick firefighters, backed up by colleagues from Belfast on an aerial platform, fought the blaze for several hours and prevented the fire from completely destroying the building.

The fire comes just two weeks after the former St. John’s care home in Pound Lane was destroyed in an arson attack.

The latest incident has prompted a local councillor to call for all public buildings in Downpatrick which are no longer used to be demolished.

Councillor Liam Johnston said the former headquarters of Down Council, on the Strangford Road, and Housing Executive in Irish Street should be knocked down. He also called for the demolition of the former Downe Hospital and Pound Lane clinic.

• Full story on page 4.

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