Killyleagh youth group born out of Halloween fire trouble

Killyleagh youth group born out of Halloween fire trouble

9 December 2015

TEENAGERS in Killyleagh have formed a new group to help improve the image of the town.

They are concerned that recent trouble at a Halloween bonfire at the Limetree estate painted a negative picture of Killyleagh and want to work to steer young people away from anti-social behaviour.

During the bonfire, a number of residents were verbally abused by drunken teenagers, while glass bottles were smashed on the road and footpath and fireworks let off indiscriminately.

Down High School student, James Savage, has been appointed the chairman of the new youth group and confirmed work is underway to draw up and agree its constitution. In the New Year, the group hopes to make applications for funding to help finance its work and projects across the town.

Sixteen year-old James said the group would be keen to secure permission to speak with pupils at Killyleagh’s two primary schools to encourage them to take pride in the town and steer clear of getting involved in trouble.

“We are very keen to secure new play facilities in Killyleagh,” he explained. “There has been major new investment in new play parks in a number of towns including Saintfield and Crossgar and those currently in place at the Bridge Community Centre need to be replaced.

“Our new group is prepared to work with local politicians and Newry, Mourne and Down Council to help secure the money required to make this happen. Young people in Killyleagh should have access to a modern play facility.”

James said the key focus of the youth group will be to deter young people from engaging in anti-social activity and work with them to deliver facilities they would like provided.

“We are concerned about negative headlines and the perception some people may have about Killyleagh. We want to see Killyleagh making headlines for the right reasons and want to work with young people who are the future of the town,” he continued.

James also hopes that when the new youth group is formally constituted, its will be taken seriously by statutory agencies.

“This year’s Halloween bonfire was a bit of fiasco and we want to work to ensure nothing like this ever happens again. Next year, we hope the bonfire can be part of a properly organised Halloween festival with maybe some fireworks.

“It would be our aim to work not only the local council, but the Fire and Rescue Service and Housing Executive to ensure Halloween is a celebration which everyone in the community can enjoy.”

Killyleagh councillor Billy Walker has praised the enthusiasm of those who have set up the new group and pledged to help them in any way he can.

“These young people deserve tremendous credit. Instead of sitting back and waiting for something to happen, they are being proactive and taking the lead. They are to be commended,” he continued.

“These young people have created their own forum to provide a platform for their peers to discuss their concerns and what activities they would like to see provided. Their attitude is very refreshing and they can count on my support moving forward.”