Manhole theft endangers children

A LONDONDERRY councillor has condemned the theft of a manhole cover in the Foxhill area of the Waterside saying he believes children are being put at risk of serious injury or worse as a result of such actions.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2011, 14:59 BST

SDLP Waterside councillor Martin Reilly said: “I strongly condemn those responsible for stealing manhole covers throughout the city to sell on as scrap metal.

“One such cover has been stolen in Foxhill which has left a hole 20 feet deep. I am very concerned that in an area where there are many families with small children that there could be a serious injury or even a fatality.

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“The cost to the public purse of replacing these covers is also significant.

“It is important we identify those responsible and make members of the public aware of the dangers.”

he said people could be seriously hurt or injured if they fell into the cavities.

“For obvious health and safety reasons it is important they are replaced as quickly as possible.

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“In a bid to track down those responsible, I would encourage anyone with information about these thefts to pass it on to the police immediately,” he commented.

Last month Northern Ireland Water (NIW) said the theft of eight manhole lids from the Campsie and Pennyburn areas of Londonderry could have resulted in someone being seriously injured.

The state agency said it had to replace a number of manhole covers in the city over recent weeks and appealed to the public and local representatives to help prevent further thefts from the Pennyburn and Campsie areas.