Saintfield’s vandalised toilets may be closed for Christmas

Saintfield’s vandalised toilets may be closed for Christmas

23 November 2016

A PUBLIC toilet block in Saintfield could remain closed until Christmas after suffering damage in a vandalism attack.

The New Line toilets were targeted early last month and those responsible have been strongly condemned by Rowallane councillor Billy Walker. He has asked Newry, Mourne and Down Council to consider providing temporary portable toilets until repairs are completed. 

The New Line toilets have been targeted on a number of occasions and an attempt was made last April to set them on fire.

Councillor Walker said those who engage in such attacks may get a perverse kick out of what they do, but said the harsh reality is that their parents end up contributing to the repair costs through their rates. The Rowallane councillor said it’s essential parents warn their children about the dangers of getting involved in anti-social behaviour and the potential of ending up with a criminal record.

“The New Line toilets have been targeted by vandals on numerous occasions and this activity must stop. The scale of the most recent damage at the New Line has forced Newry, Mourne and Down Council to close the facility and this is not the first time this has happened.

“Public toilet blocks across the council area seem to attract those involved in anti-social behaviour but the bottom line is these repeated attacks are a drain on local authority resources,” said councillor Walker.

“While the closure of any public toilet block is a major inconvenience, council officials have no choice as the scale of the damage is so bad. The message needs to go out that such attacks are not acceptable and anyone with information about who was involved must make it available to the authorities.”

Councillor Walker said given the size of Saintfield and the number of people who pass through it, it is important some form of public toilet provision is available, even if only on a temporary basis.

He added: “I have urged council officials to provide portable loos at the New Line given that there was provision at this facility for disabled people. I would also appeal to young people not to engage in anti-social behaviour.”