Call for action after bins set on fire in Lambeg

Nigel Lockhart, who lives at Queensway Gate, says the area has been peaceful in recent years and he and his neighbours do not want this to change.

Last Saturday morning three bins full of waste were stolen in the early hours. The remains of the bins were then found burnt in Alberdelghy Park off Bells lane.

Mr Lockhart said: “This park is being used as a drink and drugs hideout as plastic bottles used to make bongs (smoke cannabis) have been found in the vicinity. Residents of nearby Queensway Gate got the council to close the gates at the park at night several years ago as it was being used as a car rallying track.

“As a concerned resident I am appalled at the way this council property is being used by a small group of thugs at nights and I am concerned how someone would just take three separate households bins full of rubbish and burn them on the actual walkway of Alberdelghy Park. I would urge the local police to become aware of this problem and to nip it in the bud before something seriously happens.”

A spokesperson for Lisburn City Council said it would be looking into the matter. They commented: “Lisburn City Council is very disappointed by the recent antisocial behaviour.

“The theft of private household bins and the burning of them in a public area is completely unacceptable; and the Council is liaising with the police about this vandalism.

“The Council locks the vehicular gates to Bells Lane Park in the evening. Currently the pedestrian gates are left open for local walkers; however this may need to be revised if such antisocial behaviour continues.

“Lisburn City Council through the Lisburn Policing and Community Safety Partnership will be encouraging increased evening police patrols in the area to discourage disruptive antisocial behaviour.”

A Police spokesperson said they received two reports from members of the public regarding bins stolen from the Queensway Gate area on Sunday. A third report was received on Monday.

“To date police have not been made aware of any significant issues with anti-social behaviour or drug use in the Queensway Gate or Alberdelghy Park areas however if local residents do have concerns officers would encourage them to make contact with the Neighbourhood Team so these can be addressed.”

[email protected]