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13/11/2013
Minister Blasts Lagan Towpath Vandals
Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has lambasted vandals who have damaged and defaced property along the Lagan Towpath.
She said they needed to "have some consideration for others".
The announcement follows attacks on benches, signs and other fixtures in the area over the past few months.
Miss Ní Chuilín said the activities were spoiling the waterway for more responsible visitors.
"Vandalism is a blight which affects us all," she said.
"While it is not a problem unique to our Inland Waterways, it does have a particular impact in areas of natural beauty. It is unfair that responsible towpath users have to experience unnecessary and unsightly damage and destruction."
The Lagan Valley Regional Park, which the towpath runs through, attracts over 600,000 people per year and covers over 4,000 acres, with the Lagan forming its backbone.
"These areas belong to, and are for the use of, everyone," the Minister continued.
"We all need to play our part in ensuring that they stay welcoming and safe."
A police spokesman said: "Vandalism is criminal damage. The way we see our surroundings has a massive impact on both communities and individual behaviour. A neglected physical environment is unsafe. It undermines pride in the local community and can lead to further degradation and can also act as a trigger for other forms of anti-social behaviour.
"Anyone who sees or suspects that this type of criminal damage is being committed please contact police on 0845 600 8000."
(IT/CD)
She said they needed to "have some consideration for others".
The announcement follows attacks on benches, signs and other fixtures in the area over the past few months.
Miss Ní Chuilín said the activities were spoiling the waterway for more responsible visitors.
"Vandalism is a blight which affects us all," she said.
"While it is not a problem unique to our Inland Waterways, it does have a particular impact in areas of natural beauty. It is unfair that responsible towpath users have to experience unnecessary and unsightly damage and destruction."
The Lagan Valley Regional Park, which the towpath runs through, attracts over 600,000 people per year and covers over 4,000 acres, with the Lagan forming its backbone.
"These areas belong to, and are for the use of, everyone," the Minister continued.
"We all need to play our part in ensuring that they stay welcoming and safe."
A police spokesman said: "Vandalism is criminal damage. The way we see our surroundings has a massive impact on both communities and individual behaviour. A neglected physical environment is unsafe. It undermines pride in the local community and can lead to further degradation and can also act as a trigger for other forms of anti-social behaviour.
"Anyone who sees or suspects that this type of criminal damage is being committed please contact police on 0845 600 8000."
(IT/CD)
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