Minister’s demolition order is welcomed

Minister’s demolition order is welcomed

14 November 2012

POLITICIANS have welcomed confirmation from Stormont Health Minister Edwin Poots that two former health care buildings in Downpatrick are to be bulldozed.

The news has been confirmed by South Down MLA Chris Hazzard who discussed ongoing anti-social behaviour problems at the former Pound Lane health clinic and St. John’s House care home with the Minister.

Mr. Hazzard described the demolition of the former health care buildings, which have been repeatedly targeted by arsonists, as a common sense approach to combat problems that have “wreaked havoc at this part of Downpatrick in recent months.”

He continued: “Following recent arson attacks and rising levels of anti-social behaviour in and around the former Downe Hospital site, I’m pleased Mr. Poots has listened to calls to remedy the situation. For too long, this particular site has remained unsecured and presented a real danger to nearby residents.

“Over the past few years, firefighters have attended 19 serious fires thought to have been started deliberately at this site. This represents a danger to the Fire and Rescue Service, those living nearby and is a drain on scarce resources.”

Mr. Hazzard said people want to see “strong and assertive action” from the South Eastern Trust to make its sites in Pound Lane secure and market the location to potential investors.

At Monday night’s meeting of Down Council, Downpatrick councillor Colin McGrath said both former health care buildings must be demolished as there are those “hell-bent on ruining them.”

“Flames, destruction and wanton vandalism are not the attributes I want the people of Downpatrick to be affiliated with,” he declared. “These crimes are damaging and costly to the district.”

He urged council officials to meet with senior officials from the South Eastern Trust to discuss the management of the Pound Lane sites which it’s responsible for.

In addition, he wants local authority economic development officials to meet with Trust officials and arrange meetings with Invest Northern Ireland and the Strategic Investment Board to investigate potential investors for Pound Lane.

“This part of Downpatrick is centrally located and close to a willing and skilled workforce. We in Down District are overdue some assistance and help from central government departments to create jobs in our town. Now is the opportune time and Pound Lane is the perfect site,” he added.