Probe to seek ownership of problem area in local estate

Probe to seek ownership of problem area in local estate

10 October 2012

THE Housing Executive is to undertake an investigation to determine ownership of an area of land at the rear of homes at the Meadowlands estate in Downpatrick.

Residents have expressed concern that a section of land which backs onto properties in neighbouring Saul Street has not been maintained.

Rubbish is being dumped and burned on the land which is adjacent to an alleyway tenants use to put their waste bins out for collection.

Residents are also concerned about the condition of a boundary wall at the rear of their homes out of which a large tree is growing.

Downpatrick councillor Liam Johnston met last week with Housing Executive official Liam Gunn and Anne Grant from the Co. Down Rural Community Network to discuss residents’ concerns.

Mr. Gunn agreed to undertake a survey to determine who exactly is responsible for the portion of land people are concerned about.

Councillor Johnston said overgrowing briars and other out-of-control vegetation protruding onto the laneway is making it difficult for some people to put their bins out.

“I know that some of the residents have been cut by the briars which not only pose a danger to them, but also young children in the area,” he continued.

Councillor Johnston said while determining who is responsible for the land at the centre of residents’ concerns is important, steps needs to be taken to cut back weeds.

“A number of residents have approached councillors on this issue. While some people have trimmed some of the briars encroaching onto the laneway, more significant work is required to move them altogether.

“The problem is, no one knows who is responsible for this particular area of land. Finding this out is important before any action plan to address residents’ concerns can be devised.”