Councillor expresses concerns that Hilden Mill site has still not been properly secured
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Councillor Gary Hynds has expressed concern that Hilden Mill, which closed 20 years ago in February 2006, has not been secured and is still being subjected to anti-social behaviour.
Mr Hynds, who recently met with potential new developers of the historic site, has urged anyone in the local community who sees any suspicious behaviour at the mill to report it to the police and to the council.
"Despite repeated concerns and previous promises, children are still able to gain access to the Hilden Mill site with alarming ease,” said My Hynds.
"Thanks to residents who reported recent incidents, the Council has again instructed the owners to secure the site as a matter of urgency. That action is welcome, but we've heard similar assurances before.
"I continue to receive information from reliable local sources suggesting children are not responsible for the initial breaches that make access possible.
"That makes it even more important the owners are properly scrutinised and compelled to secure the site once and for all, until genuine plans for its future are brought forward, or they do the right thing and sell to someone who will finally regenerate this important site.
"This cannot continue. The owners have a duty to secure their property before someone is seriously injured again, or worse.
"Please continue to report any incidents to both the PSNI and the Council.
"Every report helps strengthen the case for enforcement and action.”
There have been many proposals for development of the site over the years. However, none of the suggestions have come to fruition.