Council urged to block access to historic Killough former mill area

Council urged to block access to historic Killough former mill area

24 August 2016

COUNCIL officials have been criticised for not securing what a local politician has described as a “dangerous site” in Killough.

Councillor Naomi Bailie said the old mill area in the village is being used as a play area by children, explaining parents are concerned that they have access to the site.

“This is an extremely dangerous area and it is surprising there has not been an incident at this location give the hazards that are there. When I visited the area recently, children where using it as a den and were exposed to large amounts of broken glass and debris,” she explained.

“Some of the children were using the mill itself as a climbing frame and it just doesn’t bear thinking about what potential harm they could come to.”

Councillor Bailie said residents and parents have raised their concerns with Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials and are unhappy they have yet to be addressed.

“This is very concerning and I have raised the issue with the council director responsible to ensure this issue is addressed and not swept under the carpet. Children in Killough cannot be blamed for wanting to explore and make use of this site, but it is very dangerous and they need to be protected.”

Councillor Bailie said while she is keen for the Killough site to be restored, in the short term it must be secured to keep children away from it “to avoid any disasters.”

A Newry, Mourne and Down Council spokesman said the local authority has not received any reports on the Killough issue until now and is currently investigating the matter.