Public buildings at risk

Public buildings at risk

7 November 2012

FEARS are growing that more empty and derelict buildings in Downpatrick could be targeted by arsonists.

Two have already been substantially destroyed and are set to be bulldozed and there’s mounting concern that others could be next.

The former St. John’s House care home at Pound Lane was destroyed in a major blaze three weeks ago and on Halloween night, the former Ballyvange Community Centre at the Killough Road was gutted as a result of a malicious blaze.

There are currently four other major buildings currently lying empty in the town — the old Downe Hospital, Pound Lane Health Clinic, the Housing Executive’s former base at Irish Street and Down Council’s former administrative headquarters at the Strangford Road.

One local politician said there is increasing concern at the number of empty buildings in the town and that they could set alight.

Councillor Liam Johnston has appealed to the owners of the various buildings to bulldoze them to “remove temptation” and ensure they don’t fall victim to arson attacks.

He said when the former St. Patrick’s Boys’ Primary School building in Downpatrick was vacated last year it was bulldozed within a matter of days, much to the delight of residents at St. Dillon’s Avenue.

Councillor Johnston also believes that bulldozing the empty buildings will make the various sites more attractive to would-be developers.

“Everybody knew it was only a matter of time before one of the former health complexes at Pound Lane was set on fire and this proved to be the case. Indeed, several attempts were made to set fire to St. John’s House,” he continued.

“Empty buildings are an attraction to young people, but they are also dangerous places which they should stay well away from. If the buildings were bulldozed there would be no problem.”

Councillor Johnston said parents need to reinforce a strong message to their children to stay away from empty and derelict buildings which he warned are not playgrounds.

“My view that the various empty buildings in Downpatrick are vulnerable to arson attack is shared by many and that it’s only a matter of time before the next fire.

“The Ballyvange Centre has been targeted on a regular basis and I met recently with Down Council officials to ask for the building to be bulldozed as it was a health and safety risk. As a result of last week’s arson attack, it will now have to be demolished.”

Councillor Johnston said it’s vital the owners of the various empty buildings in Downpatrick now decide what they are going to do with them before they are targeted.

He added: “Arson attacks pose a risk to firefighters, neighbouring residents and property. Given the current number of empty buildings  serious consideration must be given to demolishing them.”