Sinn Féin Mourne’s Councillor Willie Clarke, has said that Donard Forest and Newcastle Demesne have become an “eyesore” and a “health hazard” and have been neglected for years.
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Councillor Willie Clarke calls fro a clean up of the forests around the foot of Donard.[/caption]Cllr Clarke said added: “These areas have been left in an untidy state and used as a dumping ground for rubbish over the years. This position cannot be allowed to continue. This area is the main access into the Mournes, and resources need to be made available for new signage, and bins for the woodland.
” I have organised a number of community litter clean-ups in the Newcastle Demesne-and Donard forest, the former which is in the ownership of the Annesley Estate. The area is a regular attraction for illegal camping and drinking which results in a large accumulation of litter.
“I will be organising a meeting with the intention of forming an environmental community group to manage the woodland, initially just to carry out cleansing duties, but through time I would like the group to manage the woodland in partnership with Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the Woodland Trust, Shimna Integrated College and the Newcastle Harbour community group.”
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