Vandals remove life ropes in Killyleagh

Vandals remove life ropes in Killyleagh

14 April 2021

VANDALS have been accused of putting lives at risk after tampering with vital lifesaving equipment at the harbour walkway in Killyleagh.

Rescue ropes packed into cannisters which are designed to be thrown to people if they fall into the water were ripped from their mounting last weekend, with one of them subsequently found lying on the ground in High Street.

The incident follows yet more vandalism at the harbour walkway with youths being blamed for damaging up to eight lights which provide essential illumination for people who frequently walk in the area at night.

Local councillor Billy Walker said the removal of the life ropes “beggars belief” and revealed that it is not the first time such an incident has happened at this part of the town, warning that those responsible are putting lives at risk.

He said the combination of the missing ropes and the large number of damaged lights meant it posed a significant danger to anyone walking in the harbour area when it is dark.

Cllr Walker said there is increasing concern about anti-social behaviour in the town and appealed to those responsible for the damage at the harbour area to “catch themselves on”.

He declared: “This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The ropes packed into cannisters are lifesaving devices and should not be abused in any way.

“The bottom line is that you simply don’t know when someone may need this vital equipment and if it is not where it is meant to be there could be serious implications and someone could lose their life. 

“That’s how serious this situation is. Imagine how you would feel if you were responsible for  removing one of these cannisters and someone fell into the water and drowned because the lifesaving device they needed wasn’t there?”

Cllr Walker has appealed to residents to report any suspicious activity to police, in particular the identity of those tampering with the lifesaving equipment or damaging lights.

“If this unwanted and unruly behaviour continues, someone is going to lose their life. There is no ifs or buts about it. If you fall into the water and there is no equipment to assist with your rescue your survival chances are significantly reduced,” he continued.

“I have walked along the harbour walkway at high tide and there is a part of the path where these is no fence and no lights working. If it is dark and someone falls into the water their consequences of survival are close to nil. 

“God forbid that someone did fall in. They could easily drown and those responsible for the anti-social behaviour at the harbour area must get this into their head.”

Cllr Walker said if police have evidence which leads to those responsible for the damage appearing in court “they must feel the full force of the law” and be handed a sentence which acts as a strong deterrent.

“What has been happening in Killyleagh is pure, wanton vandalism and it must end. Common sense must prevail and young people really do need to catch themselves on,” said Cllr Walker.

“I appeal to parents to talk to their children about the dangers and consequences of getting caught up in the cycle of anti-social behaviour which could potentially land them with a criminal conviction, impacting on their future employment and travel prospects.”

Cllr Walker said lifesaving equipment is there for a reason and must be left alone, otherwise lives will be put at risk.

He added: “This despicable behaviour is not welcome in Killyleagh, or indeed any part of the district.”