'Callous' orgy of violence

'Callous' orgy of violence

25 September 2024

DOWNPATRICK’S heritage railway was targeted by vandals last weekend during an orgy of violence which has left a repair bill running into several thousand pounds.

Vandals targeted the railway in Market Street in broad daylight last Friday afternoon when windows in a number of vintage carriages were smashed,.

Sections of a nearby illuminated advertising sign at the entrance to the Ballydugan retail park were also damaged.

Windows in a former drive-through car wash were also smashed, with reports about general disorderly behaviour in the Market Street area.

The trouble was raised at the Stormont Assembly on Monday morning, with calls for clarity over the law in relation to trespassing on railway property.

In addition, calls have been issued for increased policing in the Market Street area and a multi-agency meeting to address recent anti-social behaviour incidents involving the PSNI, Newry, Mourne and Down Council and the Education Authority.

Police investigating the “wanton vandalism” say what happened at the railway was “extremely distressing” for its volunteers.

Railway officials — who have been working hard to reopen the tourism attraction following last November’s devastating flood which swamped the complex after the Quoile river burst its banks —say they are “heartbroken”.

Already faced with an estimated £3m bill to repair the flood damage, officials have been working flat out to get the railway back on track for the busy Halloween and Christmas period.

With the broken carriage windows boarded up, they face a four-figure repair bill to fit new safety glass and rubber seals.

Describing what happened as “heartbreaking and senseless act of vandalism”, officials say entry was forced into the charity’s station around 3.30pm with a group of youths heading towards the carriages used for steam train trips. 

It’s understood they filmed themselves hurling a brick through one of the carriage windows, before forcing their way inside by smashing down a locked door. 

“This callous behaviour resulted in damage to all three of our vintage steam-hauled carriages,” said railway chairman Robert Gardiner.

“Our volunteers, who contribute so much to the Downpatrick community and have worked so hard to repair last year’s flood damage, are absolutely devastated that their hard work has again been set back by pointless destruction.

“These carriages hold a special place in the hearts of many who ride our Lapland Express at Christmas.”

Mr Gardiner said repairing the extensive damage, including replacing several custom-made toughened windows in the recently refurbished carriage, will cost thousands of pounds. 

The railway chairman said the first reaction when something like this happens is always going to be despair and that incidents of this nature hit morale.

He said volunteers worked late into Saturday night to shore up the damage, with officials determine to pull out all the stops to reopen for the first time in almost a year.

“The only good thing I can say that has come out of Friday has been the overwhelming response from the local community and the entire Northern Ireland community which has been incredible,” said Mr Gardiner.

“I have never seen a response to something like this and what happened has not changed our plans. We are still planning to reopen as soon as we get the go-ahead to do so.”

South Down MLA Andy McMurray and Downpatrick councillor Conor Galbraith have condemned the attack.

Mr McMurray said it was an “unbelievably depressing setback” for the heritage railway and its volunteers.

He said the hard work to prepare the railway for its reopening was “undone in a matter of mindless minutes” and praised police for their quick response, highlighting the community’s “uplifting response” to what happened.

Cllr Galbraith said those who engage in vandalism and anti-social behaviour are harming their own town.

He said he was aware of multiple reports of people engaging in anti-social behaviour around the Abbeyfield sheltered housing area in Market Street.

“People are climbing into the grounds, drinking and have now been caught breaking windows. This was replicated at the weekend with signs at the business complex being vandalised and the railway vandalised as well,” Cllr Galbraith continued.

“The sad reality is that those engaged in this behaviour are only harming their own town. They are putting their own futures at risk and this is not what any of us want to see for them.”

Police, who have cautioned a teenage boy, have issued an appeal for information and are keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the Market Street area on Friday to get in touch.

Anyone who can help is asked to use the non-emergency 101 number quoting reference 642 of 21/09/24. Information can also be provided anonymously using the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.