Vandals jeopardise festive illuminations

Ulster Unionist councillor Andy Wilson learned from the response to a written question that the bill last Christmas totalled 940.

New tree lights had been purchased for Ballycarry in 2009, but the lights were pulled from the tree, which was broken in three. The cost to replace damaged lights is estimated at 300.

New lighting features, festoon lighting and tree lights were purchased for Glenarm. The tree lights were repaired three times during the festive period and the festoon lighting was repaired four times. The cost of repairs was 100 and the cost of replacing damaged tree lights and bulbs is estimated at 540.

DUP councillor Winston Fulton asked that community groups be made aware of the extent of the damage and UUP representative Brian Dunn asked: “Are we going to let the community groups know that this can’t go on year after year?”

Chief executive Geraldine McGahey said officers were meeting with the groups to plan ahead. They were being informed that the cost of repeated vandalism could deprive other communities of festive lighting.

Ald Jack McKee said community groups should not be held accountable for “sheer vandalism”. He asked: “What can the community groups do?”, adding: “I think this is a policing matter which will only be overcome through the forces of the law.”

Mrs McGahey replied: “We would not expect community groups to stand out like vigilantes, but we could seek cooperation between all parties to ensure that whatever steps can be taken, will be taken.”