Meeting Being Called To Address Antisocial Behaviour In Killyleagh.
The recent smashing of panes of glass at Killyleagh Integrated Primary School has caused the community to respond with deep concern and anger.
Councillor Billy Walker said: “This act of wanton destruction of school property is just not acceptable in our community. I have said this before and I’ll say it again, it simply has to stop. Over the past couple of years we have seen the public toilets, a bar and an empty manse destroyed with fire, another fire in the former British Legion building, the burning of pigeon lofts with the death of valuable pigeons, destruction to equipment at the new play ground at the Bridge Centre, destruction of important lifesaving equipment at the harbour, and a lot more.
“In total, the financial cost runs into several hundreds of thousands of pounds. And the ratepayer has to foot the bill for most of it.
“Someone in Killyleagh MUST know who is doing this and I would ask them to speak to the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers which is an independent agency which will deal with your call anonymously on 0800 555111.
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/campaigns-media/community/northernireland
School Principal Mr Jason Milligan said: “It is very disappointing. This is the sixth time our school has been attacked since Christmas. Windows have been broken each time.
“The financial cost of this this comes out of our school budget so this is directly affecting our pupils. Also, the broken glass scattered over the school hall and equipment is a danger to the pupils and requires a lot of work to clean up. This time round there were six windows smashed. I would appeal to anyone who is doing this to please stop now.”
Cllr Walker added: “Quite simply, we have been fortunate so far in that there has not been a death or serious injury with these outbreaks of antisocial behaviour. If that happened it would be an absolute tragedy. We must act before this happens. I have constantly appealed to the various agencies, and it has been difficult to pin this down. But now we need to get this matter sorted out once and for all. The police, the Down PCSP, the Housing Executive and other agencies all have a role to play in this and we need results before another desperate act of vandalism occurs.
“It is just outrageous that the windows of a local school should be broken in this way. This is setting a very bad example to the children of this school and other schools and it is just a disaster for community relations.
“Therefore, I have decided to call a public meeting after the local government elections on Thursday 2 May in the Bridge Centre and I would like to see a good attendance of concerned residents there. This is a matter of public order and safety and it has to be addressed.”
Meeting in the:
Bridge Centre, Killyleagh,
Wednesday 15th May 2019 at 6.45pm.
Everyone Welcome!
