Police asked to help stop vandalism at railway

Police asked to help stop vandalism at railway

5 August 2020

TALKS are to take place with police in a bid to bring about an end to vandalism attacks at the Downpatrick and Co Down Railway.

The news comes after vandals struck at the award-winning facility for the second time in a fortnight, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

Officials at the widely acclaimed heritage visitor attraction are expected to be involved in the talks with police, with the meeting organised by Slieve Croob councillor Alan Lewis.

He is one of a number of elected representatives outraged at the latest incident when three wooden trailers that belonged to the former Belfast and Co Down Railway were destroyed in a malicious blaze.

Last week’s incident comes with railway officials still reeling from a series of other attacks which included forcing open the main gates at the railway’s Market Street base, starting a fire at the ‘Loop’ platform and damaging a fence at the Inch Abbey station.

Railway officials — who are facing a major financial crisis due to Covid-19 — are concerned that a recent appeal to troublemakers to leave them alone as fallen on deaf ears with the arson attack coming as they were readying themselves to share some good news on two fronts.

They hope to announce some positive funding confirmation shortly after Stormont officials revealed that it is an offence to trespass on heritage railway property. Issues have arisen in the past with people walking along the railway lines at the Downpatrick facility.

“We are delighted that it has been confirmed by Stormont that it is an offence to trespass on a heritage railway as much as it is on the mainline railway network,” said a Downpatrick and Co Down Railway spokesman.

“We will be liaising with the police and regulators to ensure that we get the message out there that it is not permissible to venture on to our line without permission and that enforcement action can be taken where appropriate.”

Local politicians who are supportive of the heritage railway’s work have condemned those responsible for the recent attacks.

In addition to Cllr Lewis, South Down MLA Colin McGrath and Cllr Patrick Brown say they are shocked and disappointed that the railway is being singled out.

Mr McGrath said he was “incredibly disappointed” to learn of further vandalism at the heritage railway. He said that along with the railway’s historic museum, the Downpatrick facility is a jewel in the district’s tourism crown.

“I condemn acts of vandalism against this superb visitor attraction and urge anyone engaged in this behaviour to stop and give due respect to those who are working hard to revitalise our town and local community,” Mr McGrath added.

Confirming that he is organising a meeting with police to discuss the vandal attacks, Cllr Lewis says there needs to be a “greater effort” to catch those responsible whose actions are in danger of wrecking a long-standing tourist attraction. 

“I want to see those responsible caught, arrested and charged,” he declared. “The message must be clear — anti-social behaviour and recreational wrecking will not be tolerated. I am committed to working closely with the railway to help in any way I can.

“I have already had conversations with senior officials and am hoping to put plans in action within the very near future. This wonderful local resource must be protected for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Cllr Lewis also highlighted the “enthusiasm and commitment” of the volunteers who run the facility, describing the historic value of the heritage railway as “priceless”.

He added: “I am truly sickened and disgusted at the continuing vandalism at this site. Carriage windows have been smashed, sections of railway track burnt and fences broken during a weekly free for all of anti-social behaviour. What do those responsible hope to achieve by senseless wrecking? What are they are seeking to prove and who are they trying to impress?” 

Cllr Brown said he was “shocked and saddened” to learn about the recent vandalism which come at a time when such a valuable part of the local tourist economy is already struggling due to Covid-19.

He added: “These incidents are a further blow to the morale of volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain and improve this local heritage asset. I would appeal to anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward to the PSNI and will be liaising with them myself to find who did this and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”