Killyleagh vandalism plea

Killyleagh vandalism plea

6 June 2012 - by David Telford

AN appeal has been issued for an end to anti-social behaviour at one of Killyleagh’s most historic sites.

Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews said he is deeply concerned that

Mary’s Style is being used as an open air drinking den and for a host of other “unsavoury behaviour.”

Concerned residents recently alerted him to ongoing problems in the area including vandalism, but one of the things they are most concerned about is underage drinking.

Councillor Andrews, who visited the site recently, said he was “horrified” to see the number of empty beer bottles and cans and damage to a metal railing surrounding an ancient burial ground. He said he also came across a number of condoms.

The local politician has raised residents’ concerns with the Department of the Environment (DoE) and Down Council, and is calling for a major clean-up.

Councillor Andrews has also called for an end to what he described as the “unsavoury behaviour” in Killyleagh at an area which is popular with visitors to the town.

“It’s my understanding that problems at Mary’s Style are particularly bad at weekends, but it would appear there are also problems on week nights with young people making the most of the clear evenings,” he continued.

“What the young people congregating at this part of Killyleagh seem to forget is that they are close to an ancient burial ground which deserves respect.”

Councillor Andrews said metal railings surrounding the burial ground have been damaged. He said information signs to inform visitors about the history of Mary’s Style were also vandalised some time ago.

The Rowallane councillor said a lot of time and effort went into tidying up this part of Killyleagh several years ago, explaining young people should “respect and cherish” the fact they have such an important historical landmark on their doorstep.

He added: “I hope the DoE and Down Council will be able to address concerns .”