‘Sad individuals’ run amok in Killyleagh

‘Sad individuals’ run amok in Killyleagh

25 May 2022

YOUTHS who ran amok in Killyleagh town centre last weekend emptying flower planters and litter bins have been described as “sad individuals”.

During the early hours of Sunday morning, the contents of one planter were thrown over a van parked in High Street with the trouble roundly condemned on social media.

One angry resident described what happened as an “absolute disgrace” with another labelling it “absolutely disgusting behaviour”.

One woman was verbally abused by the youths who also ripped the number plate from the van, with praise for local police who helped clean the mess in High Street and drove around the town in a bid to apprehend the troublemakers.

Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews has condemned those responsible for the weekend trouble and said what happens needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

“The Killyleagh Community Association has been doing brilliant work in the town and invested a lot of time and effort improving the environment and it is deeply disappointing that there are those attempting to undermine its excellent work by their despicable actions,” he continued.

“No one wants to see this type of behaviour in Killyleagh and it will be roundly condemned. On the one hand we have people dedicated to improving the town and are going the extra mile, while on the other we have youths who care nothing about where they live.”

Describing Killyleagh as a “wonderful town”, Cllr Andrews said words could not describe the actions of the youths responsible for the weekend damage.

He asked: “My question is how would they feel if someone damaged property belonging to them or a member of their family?

“The local community group and Newry, Mourne and Down Council spend hours tirelessly ensuring Killyleagh has lovely floral displays and then we witness what happened during the early hours of Sunday.

“Why should people who have great pride in their town face the prospect of a mindless few attempting to undermine their good work.”

Cllr Andrews described what happened as “wanton destruction” and insisted that there was simply no excuse for what happened.

“If the people responsible for emptying planters and litter bins get some sort of kick out of their behaviour then they are sad individuals,” he continued.

“Killyleagh has so much potential and people are working hard to enhance this by harnessing their collective energy. They have the interests of the community very much at heart and it is sad that a tiny minority do not share this view.”

Cllr Andrews has appealed to anyone who can help police with their enquiries into last weekend’s incident to contact them on the non-emergency 101 number of use the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.