Chairperson Calls for end to Arboretum Vandalism and Welcomes Inter-Agency Outreach Work

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Valerie Harte has appealed for an end to vandalism at Castlewellan Arboretum and welcomed efforts to tackle the anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Harte was speaking after recent incidents of vandalism at the Arboretum glass houses in Castlewellan Forest Park. An incident of anti-social behaviour on Friday 23 June resulted in the Council closing the gardens in the park and police called to the scene. Significant damage was caused to structural items and specialist windowpanes resulting in an estimated £10,000 repair cost.

Cllr Harte said, “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is aware of this increased anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. There has been significant investment at the Arboretum, which is in a prime location for Castlewellan and brings many benefits to the community. As we look forward to a busy summer of events in the area, I encourage personal and parental responsibility and ask anyone witnessing any incidents of vandalism to report them to the PSNI.

“A joint partners meeting was arranged in May this year via the Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) involving the PSNI, Education Authority Youth Service, County Down Rural Community Network and Council to coordinate a joint approach to the issues arising in Castlewellan and share information. Two further meetings were held last week on 20 and 26 June. The PCSP has engaged a local sports youth divisionary programme on Saturday nights throughout the summer months and further details will become available.

“The intention is that close working relationships will continue with all partners throughout the summer. It is also hoped further youth engagement can take place via creative initiatives in the park to encourage civic pride in the area.”

PSNI Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Darren Hardy said, “We are aware of ongoing issues with youths at the Forest Park and the Arboretum in recent weeks and I would ask young people who are choosing to engage in anti-social behaviour to think again. We are just at the beginning of the summer holidays and this type of behaviour is unacceptable and must stop.

“Our officers want to assure residents and visitors to the Park that we take these type of incidents extremely seriously. We are acutely aware of the negative impact that this type of behaviour can have on the community and this particular amenity and we would appeal to anyone affected to report it immediately to the non- emergency 101 number to ensure a prompt response.

“We will be continuing to patrol the area to work to deter further activity of this nature and continue to engage with our statutory partners and young people as we head into the busy summer period.”

Education Authority Senior Youth Worker, Paul Fitzsimons, said, “Following the initial meeting on May 10 2023, Education Authority Youth Service has carried out a series of outreach initiatives within Castlewellan Forest Park at key times when young people are highly visible within the park.

Youth Service has positively engaged with young people throughout this period, and we will continue to implement outreach strategies across the summer months to help support young people make positive choices whilst providing signposting opportunities towards the new Saturday night football initiative. We are also committed to the continuous collaborative working initiatives with all agencies involved.”