Vandals could have flooded Toomebridge

Vandals broke into the now disused site in the village and threw items including fencing rails and manhole covers into an adjacent sewer which resulted in a major blockage in the area.

Luckily, this was discovered before significant rainfall, which would almost certainly have led to severe out of sewer flooding in the area.

Brian Donaghy, Site Manager at NI Water, explained: ‘‘Unfortunately, vandalism is a common problem at some of our sites, but this incident could have had very serious implications for the people of Toome.

“Out of sewer flooding and damage costing thousands of pounds could well have been the result, had it not been for the prompt action of NI Water staff and our contractors.”

Mr. Donaghy said NI Water had taken ‘a’’ reasonable steps’ to secure the site but admitted he was worried by the incident.

“Although this pumping station is no longer in use, we have taken all reasonable steps to ensure the security of the site. We are worried about this security breach, with the potential for severe damage to homes and businesses in Toome.

“We would also like to reiterate that our sites are not playgrounds, and are in fact dangerous to those not trained to work within them. We would call on those involved to desist before they cause injury to themselves or a severe incident in the village itself.”

NI Water is appealing to the public in the area to be vigilant and if they have any information or see anything suspicious, to contact the PSNI on 0845 600 8000.,

To provide information anonymously, they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.