Rising litter problem in town sparks appeal

Rising litter problem in town sparks appeal

19 July 2017

POLITICIANS have expressed concern about town centre litter in Downpatrick and urged Newry, Mourne and Down Council to address the issue.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath and councillor Naomi Bailie have also appealed to people to dispose of their litter properly and not discard it for someone else to lift.

The politicians have expressed concern about litter at the Irish Street car park and at other locations including the historic Grove area in the shadow of Down Cathedral, an area where it is claimed young people are gathering to drink alcohol.

Mr McGrath, who is concerned about overall levels of cleanliness in the town centre, is seeking a meeting with the local authority’s chief executive, Liam Hannaway, while councillor Bailie has already been in touch with council officials in relation to the issue at the Grove.

The MLA plans to raise concern about a section of the Irish Street car park reserved for huge bins which are used by nearby business owners. Mr McGrath said individuals who are not in business are dumping waste beside the commercial bins and has appealed for those responsible to stop.

He has also appealed to local authority officials to remove the waste which is blighting this part of the widely used car park and increase litter picking duties throughout the town centre.

“We currently have one permanent street sweeper in Downpatrick and I would like to highlight the hard work he does, but it is obvious the local authority needs to do more to ensure the town centre is up to an acceptable standard,” said the MLA.

“I have noticed a number of broken litter bins within the town centre and there are also bins which are overflowing at times. At the Irish Street car park, weeds are growing along footpaths and there are other parking areas which need to be power washed.”

Mr McGrath said he hopes council officials will do all they can to enhance town centre cleanliness and hopes the street cleaning regime in nearby Newcastle can be replicated in Downpatrick.

The MLA confirmed he is seeking a meeting with Mr Hannaway to discuss his concerns, including the allocation of additional resources to help keep Downpatrick town centre clean, adding: “I will make the point to Mr Hannaway that there must be a serious rethink of the street cleaning resources and schedules allocated to Downpatrick.”

Councillor Bailie said business owners and residents are reporting littering incidents across Downpatrick, with the Grove one area of particular focus.

“I have received complaints about the disgraceful state of the Grove, an area that is the gateway to our cultural and historical quarter, an access point to our museum, the St Patrick centre, Down Cathedral and St Patrick’s grave. All these places are key in Downpatrick attracting visitors from home and overseas so it’s of paramount importance that we get it right when they come,” she said.

“Grass is overgrown and in general there is a heavy amount of debris and litter which council officers have removed in response to my appeal. I have also been assured the grass will be cut and am delighted council officers have been able to resolve this issue for the benefit of the town.”

Councillor Bailie said Downpatrick’s tourist potential is “only beginning to be unleashed” and there is still much more work to do, suggesting everyone has a role to play in order Downpatrick is the best it can be and hopefully reap many rewards. 

She added: “It is vitally important local people restrain from littering this area and that teenagers and young people don’t use the Grove as a drinking den. They must have respect for the area and the town and I would  ask parents to be vigilant and know where their children are. If they are involved in this behaviour, parents must act to ensure they no longer are involved.”