Drunken youths blamed for wall lights vandalism

Drunken youths blamed for wall lights vandalism

22 February 2017

DRUNKEN youths, some as young as 15, are being blamed for vandalising a number of wall lights at the harbour walkway in Killyleagh during a night of trouble last weekend.

Seven lights were damaged, with a number ripped from their casing exposing live electrical wiring last Saturday evening leaving a repair bill estimated in the region of £1,500.

Those responsible for the damage have been condemned by Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews who said they have been made aware of reports of one young girl who was heavily intoxicated lying at The Cross, while a young male is believed to have injured himself after falling from a pole in Frederick Street.

The local politicians said it is their understanding those involved in the weekend trouble were not all from Killyleagh and that messages inviting young people from other areas to visit the town last Saturday night were posted on social media.

Councillor Walker said a number of teenagers were drinking alcohol and that a number were ped off in the town by their parents. He has also asked for footage from a CCTV camera located close to the harbour area to be examined to see if any of the troublemakers can be identified.

“It is my understanding that young people involved in the trouble were armed with alcohol carry-outs and that their behaviour was annoying and upsetting for residents,” he declared. “The lights at the harbour walkway have been vandalised numerous times and this latest incident is very upsetting. Those responsible are not welcome in Killyleagh.”

Councillor Walker appealed to parents whose teenage children go out at night to warn them of the dangers of getting into trouble and damaging property which could potentially land them with a criminal record.

The Rowallane councillor has also asked the PSNI to increase weekend patrols in Killyleagh to deter any young people thinking about causing trouble.

“Last year, it was reported that some of the young people involved in trouble at the Model Farm and Flying Horse estates in Downpatrick were from Killyleagh. Now we discover that some of those involved in recent trouble in Killyleagh are from Downpatrick. This behaviour must stop,” he declared.

Councillor Walker confirmed the weekend trouble will be discussed at next week’s first meeting of the new Killyleagh Community Association when the organisation’s new chairman and other office bearers will be appointed.

“This is a group which wants to take Killyleagh forward and one that will not tolerate the actions of those who want to give the town a bad name. Parents also have a key role to play by ensuring their teenager children stay out of trouble,” he said.

Councillor Andrews said he is aware that a 15 year-old girl was seen drinking alcohol in Killyleagh last weekend and that police were called in response to concerns raised by residents about the unruly behaviour of the young people.

“Local people were frightened by the behaviour of these young people and should not have to tolerate this in their own homes. It is my information that some of those causing trouble and making a nuisance of themselves had a lot of alcohol on board which is what we don’t want to see in Killyleagh,” he continued.

Councillor Andrews also echoed the appeal by councillor Walker for parents to keep a close eye on their children and warn them to stay out of trouble.

He added: “These young people are showing no respect and residents should not feel frightened in their own homes. This trouble must stop.”

A PSNI spokesman confirmed that police responded to reports of a number of young people causing annoyance in the Seaview area of Killyleagh shortly after 7pm last Saturday night. He said one young male was spoken to by police and taken home.