Vandals target cross-community facility in Glengormley

Vandals have targeted a busy cross-community facility in the heart of Glengormley.
Firefighters dealing with the blaze at the rear of the Barron Hall. INNT 24-808CONFirefighters dealing with the blaze at the rear of the Barron Hall. INNT 24-808CON
Firefighters dealing with the blaze at the rear of the Barron Hall. INNT 24-808CON

The operators of the Barron Hall on the Antrim Road - home of the Community Relations Forum - were alerted to the damage yesterday evening after a fire was reported at the rear of the building.

It is understood that a number of items, including pallets and tyres were set on fire on land adjoining the property.

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Commenting on the blaze, a Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 8:02pm to a report of a fire at the Moreland Avenue area.

“Two fire appliances from Glengormley Fire Station were deployed to the scene of a large quantity of rubbish alight at wasteland off Moreland Avenue. Firefighters using two jets dealt with fire.

“Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service finished at the scene at 8:49pm and the fire is being treated as deliberate.”

Project Manager at the Barron Hall, Kathy Wolff, arrived at the scene shortly after the alarm was raised.

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She said: “I would like to praise the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for their quick response in dealing with the fire.

“While we were at the rear of the hall, we could see that damage had been caused to its roof. We believe that this has been caused by vandals throwing stones at the tiles.

“This latest incident will cost around £100 to repair and comes only months after almost £400 worth of damage was caused to the roof.

“The people who are doing this don’t realise the damage they’re doing. Each time things like this happen, money is being taken away from the community.”