Graffiti daubed on Killough bridge

Graffiti daubed on Killough bridge

16 October 2013

TWO senior politicians have criticised those responsible for spraying graffiti at a bridge outside Killough.

The graffiti, which makes reference to drugs and a local family, appeared last week at the Strand Lough area.

Councillors Dermot Curran and Éamonn Mac Con Midhe said the bridge is located on the main road between Killough and Ardglass which is one of the district’s most popular tourist routes.

He has contacted the Roads Service which is responsible for

the bridge and hopes the graffiti, which he described as “vile and offensive,” can be removed as soon as possible.

Councillor Curran, who was contacted by a number of local residents, said the viciousness of the graffiti is “deeply disturbing” and revealed those who have viewed it have described it as “insulting and revolting.”

He continued: “I sincerely hope the graffiti is removed as soon as possible. This is not the kind of thing we want to see anywhere in our district and there is little doubt that what has been sprayed is offensive.

“While graffiti has been sprayed at this bridge before, a considerable amount of money has been invested on it, in addition to the major resurfacing of a road which carries a high volume of tourist traffic.”

Councillor Curran said he hopes that once the graffiti has been removed the bridge will not be targeted again.

He said if there are those who have concerns about what is happening in their particular community they should contact the relevant authorities so the matter can be dealt with.

He added: “Graffiti is not only offensive, but it detracts from areas and gives a bad impression. Strand Lough is one of the most picturesque locations in our district, but it has been defaced by this grotesque graffiti. I would call on those responsible to desist from this behaviour.”

Councillor Mac Con Midhe described the graffiti as “unacceptable and intimidating” and said it serves no purpose other than to degrade Killough. He also confirmed he will be liaising with PSNI to ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.

“This type of anti-social behaviour is totally unacceptable. Its only affect will be to make Killough appear untidy and unpleasant which is not the type of message we want to send to visitors or locals,” he declared.

“Following the recent success of the Oscar winning film The Shore filmed in the village, Killough has prospered and is attracting more and more people who come to see the striking and unique scenery it has to offer.”

Councillor Mac Con Midhe appealed to those responsible for the “thoughtless crime” to think about the consequences of their actions.