Plea for end to vandalism at old Downe Hopsital

Plea for end to vandalism at old Downe Hopsital

25 April 2012

FIRES and vandalism at the old Downe Hospital site must be reported and stopped, according to local councillor Cadogan Enright.

Councillor Enright said multiple fires were lit and damage caused to both the old Pound Lane surgery site, a previous arson target, and the former Accident and Emergency building.

“Last weekend was a particularly wanton rampage by the small number of young local people responsible for 90 per cent of the damage,” he said.

“Staff at Pound Lane have told me that they never know what to expect when they arrive to work on a Monday morning. Broken windows, fire-damage and vandalism of all kinds.

“When I arrived on the scene on Monday morning I found bins at the clinic burnt out, hoardings around the old A&E battered down and the remains of fires in Hospital Buildings opposite St. Dillon’s Avenue.

“As far as I can tell the Fire Service was called out at least three times.”

Councillor Enright said the damage was being carried out by a small number of older children.

“Their parents must be aware of what is going on,” he said. “”I intend to pursue this matter and they and their parents should know that this matter is not going to rest.

“It is now time to stop this nonsense. If we don’t stop it now it will become much worse in the summer. Also, those involved will become habituated into this kind of behaviour and will ultimately get into very serious trouble. The cleanup costs for all of this will have to be borne by the Health Service, and this diverts real money that could be used for front-line services into a totally wasted expenditure.

“I am calling on people to contact local community police officer John McKenna and report those involved at 07795 152562. If you are nervous about talking to a ‘real person’ at the PSNI you can call Crimestoppers at 0800 555111.