Just days after several thousand people attended the Christmas tree lights switch on in Newcastle, vandals have struck damaging the tree on Main Street. Local Councillors have been quick to react condemning the behaviour.
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There has been widespread condemnation to the vandalism to the Christmas tree in Newcastle[/caption]
Séan R0gers MLA (SDLP) expressed his outright condemnation and said: “The Christmas tree in Newcastle is not only a talking point but is an attraction for the town. The local Chamber are putting such effort into the run-up to Christmas and is unacceptable that vandals are trying to take away from that. “I would appeal to people to be vigilant and to discourage any type of anti-social behaviour. “This is our tree – it belongs to the community. I would also like to praise the work of AJC Electrical who worked over the weekend to get the lights back in action.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke has also condemned those who vandalised Newcastle’s Christmas tree adding: “Those involved in this vandalism care nothing about the community and the efforts that have been made to create a festive ambience for the town centre. Everyone I have been speaking to has described the incident as shameful and this action has led to great anger in the area.
“Only a number of days ago my family and I attended the switching on of the lights which was attended by thousands of people from all sections of the community. The people responsible will not destroy the Christmas spirit in the town by an act of wanton vandalism.
“However along with the local businesses and community I am determined not to allow vandals to destroy the Christmas spirit here in Newcastle, I would like to pass on the thanks of the community to the local electrical contractors AJC for the repair of the tree.
Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke also expressed his anger at the damage to the Christmas tree and said: “It is very disheartening when so much effort has been given by Newcastle traders, Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and Down District Council to provide a first class Christmas tree in Newcastle for vandals to strike.
“Like many people I am annoyed and disappointed that a small element of people took it upon themselves to deliberately vandalise one of the best Christmas Trees Newcastle has ever had thanks to the team work of AJC Electrical.
“I know that staff from AJC Electrical had been working over recent days to have the Christmas Tree fully working and to ensure that the recent vandalism was repaired as quickly as possible.”
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