Disgust as vandals wreck NI beauty spot

A local community group said it was disgusted at the state Hoys Meadow was left in over the weekend.

Picnic tables were left charred so badly they all but disintegrated.

Posting photos on Sunday morning to social media, Edenderry Community Development Association said: “As a group we are totally disgusted at the total disregard for this beauty spot. Those who carried out this destruction have no respect for the environment or the community of Edenderry.”

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley said: “This act of vandalism is beyond senseless and counter-productive.

“There are many who work endlessly to better our community, and anti-social behaviour such as this only serves to set our community back.”

DUP Cllr Darryn Causby said: “Once again Hoys Meadow has been vandalised by those who have no care for the needs of the wider community who use and need this public space.

“In recent years the Council have invested over £100k on improvement in the area and much of that investment has been defaced or destroyed.

“Urgent interventions need made in the Watson Street/ Hoys Meadow area and I will do all I can to support residents and communities going forward.

“I want to thank the quick response of Council officials who have cleaned up the area and who are looking at ways to provide new benches for the community.”

Ulster Unionist Cllr Julie Flaherty said: “Some of the young people who reported this directly to me on Sunday were also very annoyed about this happening. Some young people engage in this bad, destructive behaviour in various places across our Borough-everyone then loses out. Perhaps the time has come when we need to sit down with these young people and find a new way to tackle this.”

SDLP Cllr Eamon McNeill said: “It’s heartbreaking and frustrating to see such damage caused at Hoy’s Meadow. Particularly at the moment everyone needs to be able to get out and enjoy our countryside and use picnic areas. I would urge parents to ensure they know where their children and teenagers are and reinforce with them that they do not cause damage to property.”

Portadown DUP Cllr Lavelle McIlwrath said: “This is just the latest in a series of incidents at Hoys Meadow and indeed the underpass at the Bann bridge and towpath where bottles have been smashed, bins kicked over and graffiti sprayed.

“However over the weekend a new low was reached when a picnic table and seating was set on fire. This is not some sort of victimless crime as ratepayers will eventually pick up the cost of repairs and replacement of the table and seating.

“This type of behaviour must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and those responsible must be brought to book for their actions. The PSNI are very aware of the issues particularly at weekends and will have increased patrols in the area going forward. I would also urge parents to do their bit and ensure that they are aware of where their children are in the evenings.”

Alliance Councillor Peter Lavery added: “I completely condemn this act of vandalism at Hoys Meadow. This is a scenic location on the banks of the River Bann that is enjoyed by many all year round. I would encourage anyone with information to please contact the PSNI. In the meantime I will engage with council officers to have the area repaired.”

Sinn Fein Cllr Paul Duffy said: “Anti-social behaviour is a blight on all communities. The soft approach being taken just isn’t working and the courts in particular do not seem to be approaching this type of behaviour with the severity it demands. A tougher approach is needed to protect everyone and their environment.”

A Council spokesperson said: “Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is disappointed to see the recent spate of anti-social behaviour at Hoys Meadow. Our Community Safety Wardens continue to monitor and patrol this area and we are committed to working alongside the community and our partners to tackle this disruptive and negative behaviour across the borough.

“We would appeal to members of the public who witness anti-social behaviour to report the incident by telephoning the PSNI on 101.”

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