There has been increased concern as senseless acts of vandalism continue to happen at the wastewater treatment works in Annsborough. NI Water has claimed that the damage so far is too cost around £100,000. A number of politicians have spoken out about the incidents.
Margaret Ritchie the South Down MP has said, I condemn the despicable actions of vandals who have been responsible for attacking this waste water treatment works in County Down 24 times over the last 12 months. These vandals have shown a total disregard for the local community and the plant in Annsborough which is responsible for treating raw sewage from 2,100 properties in Castlewellan and Annsborough.’
She also added, ‘I would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious at the plant over the weekend to come forward and help the police with their enquiries.’
Ritchie is not the only politician to express concern, as Eamon O’Neill a SDLP Councillor from the Newcastle area has also said, ‘I just find it unbelievable that there were 24 separate attacks on this vital installation which services around 2100 properties in the area. This looks like more than wanton vandalism… and more like a systematic campaign!’
He went on to say, ‘This provision was hard fought for and badly needed to cope with the demands of our growing community especially with a big local increase in housing. When we had the old system on that site there were constant problems with overflowing and leakage and at the time I made strong representations for upgrading.’
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