Vandals putting their lives at risk

Emergency repair teams have been called to the electricity substation on Victoria Street, behind the Clendinning's site, a number of times in the past week.

The facility, which provides power to over 10,000 homes, has had equipment damaged by vandals throwing bricks and other building debris at vital electrical fittings inside the station’s fenced area.

Northern Ireland Electricity crews have worked to ensure the substation's power supply has remained constant despite the damage.

Councillor Noel McGeown warned youngsters and their parents of the danger coursing through the station's 33,000 volts.

He said: "This vandalism has reached a new level with deliberate attempts to damage equipment and disrupt the supply of electric by hurling debris from the derelict Clendinning's site into the substation.

"Those carrying out these attacks, and their parents, need to be aware of the danger to anyone interfering with high voltage electric equipment and of the potential danger a prolonged disruption of the electricity supply could cause.”

He added: "There are potentially serious repercussions to those within the area who depend on electrically operated medical equipment.

"I have made, and will continue to make, representations to have the site securely fenced off, but the main responsibility for the safety of children and young people lies with their parents or guardians and I am appealing to them to keep these young people away from this substation for their own safety and the welfare of their community.”

Northern Ireland Electricity has also condemned the actions and appealed for the attacks to stop.

Roy Coulter said: “Our emergency repair teams have been called out to this substation several times in the last week.

"In each case high voltage equipment has been damaged and debris had to be removed from the site and the equipment.

“Fortunately no customers have lost electricity supply because of this deliberate damage but this substation provides power to over 10,000 local residents.

"Any damage to this equipment has the potential to cut their electricity supplies. More importantly, these vandals are putting their own safety at risk.

"This substation contains equipment which is live at 33,000 volts so any type of interference puts those involved, and others, at risk of electric shock."