'˜No complaints about McKee's Dam' - police

The news is in contrast to reports in recent weeks that visitors to the one-time flax dam turned picnic site, near Hillsborough, were complaining of intimidation at the hands of people seeking sexual encounters.

Moreover, despite the spot’s notoriety - long predating even its 2008 listing online as a meeting place for gay sex - the lack of complaints to police apparently covers a period of years.

That’s according to Chief Inspector Derek McCamley of Lisburn and Castlereagh District PSNI.

“Police in Lisburn have no record of a complaint from any member of the public in relation to sexual activity at McKee’s Dam, in recent months or indeed years,” he said. “However, if a member of the public believes this activity is taking place, in the first instance they should contact police, as witnesses are required.”

Meanwhile, as The Star recently reported, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Councillor Luke Poots is preparing a report for police on what he called the “explicit behaviour” at McKee’s Dam.

Just two weeks ago the DUP’s Mr Poots said more than 30 people had contacted him in recent months to report having been propositioned and intimidated.

“Mothers and fathers have approached me saying they cannot use the facility due to continual use of the facility for men to meet other men for sexual practices,” he said. “McKee’s Dam should be a safe place for families and the public that wish to use it appropriately.”

Mr Poots condemned behaviour he said had led to others being inappropriately propositioned and intimidated.

In July last year it was reported that a banner with a Bible verse denouncing homosexuality had been tied to trees at McKee’s Dam.

Both Mr McCamley and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said then that they were unaware of any complaints in relation to that type of activity in that specific area.