Furious Rowallene Councillor Billy Walker has strongly condemned the recent arson attack in Killyleagh at the Bridge Centre.
In the past two years, the public toilets have been destroyed, a public house badly damaged, a vacant private house formerly the Manse was gutted, a pigeon loft by a top fancier was torched, and an attempt was made to start a fire at a block of flats in Frederick Street in the town.
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The ashes remaining of a torched table and seats at the Bridge Centre in KIllyleagh. Cllr Billy Walker calls for an end to the continued arson in the town.[/caption]
Councillor Walker said: “This latest outrage took place around midnight last Thursday when someone burned one of the picnic benches and a summer seat and table at the Bridge Centre and tried to burn another table seat.
“Unfortunately the CCTV at the Bridge Centre is out of date and needs replaces and I will be asking our council to look into this as soon as possible.
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Vandals tried to set fire to a second table and seats at the Bridge Centre play area in Killyleagh.[/caption]
“I am absolutely outraged that anyone could attack property in a community centre. Local children with parents and family use this playpark area. It is their social space and it has been attacked. These young people doing these arson attacks are doing the town a disgrace. I have received many complaints from local residents once again over this incident.”
Cllr Walker explained that he was keen to applied for major funding to upgrade the playpark in Killyleagh at the Bridge Centre but added: “It all seems just a terrible waste. If we were to be successful in getting funding of around £150,000 for a new play area, would these young arsonists just walk in a burn this too? It could just be destyroye dwithin weeks of being built.
“The young people of Killyleagh are suffering on account of this. PArents must keep an eye on their children. They need to know where they are and what they are doing. That is their responsibility. 99.5% o fthe children and youths in Killyleagh are very well behaved but there is an element who are determined to cause destruction in our town and it must be stopped… and stopped NOW!
“Many good people such as Chris Hagan have made huge efforts to get the Killyleagh Youth Drop In Centre at the Bridge Centre going where up to seventy youngsters participate. But I’m sure the ones causing these fires are not participating in these normal activities.
“Eventually someone is going to get hurt or even killed. So far the fires have been serious and no-one has been hurt. But fire is unpredictable and accidents will happen. I therefore urge those who are doing this to pleas estop now before it is too late. If they are caught they will no doubt face a possible custodial sentence. This just criminal damage plain and simple.
“I have lobbied the PSNI to be more vigilant in Killyeagh, will be seeking an upgrade of the CCTV and the Bridge Centre, and I would ask anyone with any knowledge of these arson incidents to contact the local police on the non-emergency number by dialling 101.
“This madness must stop right now.”
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