Youths go off rails in viaduct brick barrage

Some local youths stand accused to going off the rails amid reports they have taken to hurling bricks off the top of Dromore’s viaduct.
Bricks and debris litter the  pathways in Dromore Park ©Paul Byrne Photography INBL1530-200PBBricks and debris litter the  pathways in Dromore Park ©Paul Byrne Photography INBL1530-200PB
Bricks and debris litter the pathways in Dromore Park ©Paul Byrne Photography INBL1530-200PB

Bricks, understood to have been pilfered from a nearby building site, lie strewn around the base of the disused railway conduit in support of local claims that young people have been seen throwing them down into the town park.

The news has given rise to concerns that an unsuspecting park-user could be badly hurt, even killed, if he or she happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It’s understood police have been made aware of the problem. Dromore councillor, Alderman Paul Rankin, confirmed he had received reports of the reckless behaviour and had in turn alerted Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council officers.

There was evidence too, he said, of attempts to deface the only recently installed new artwork at the nearby underpass, with young people, again, taking the blame.

The DUP councillor condemned any and all such behaviour, adding that if young people were indeed responsible it begged the question, “Where are the parents?”

He said: “There’s only so much the police can do.

“Young people cannot be allowed to run amok; parents need to take responsibility, to make sure they know where their children are and what they are doing.”

The local authority, meanwhile, confirmed it had been made aware of young people gaining access to the viaduct site.

A spokesperson added the council’s own appeal to parents.

He said: “General access to Dromore viaduct is not permitted for the public.

“All entry points have been secured with locks fitted onto the access gates to prohibit unauthorised entry; however, the council has been made aware of instances of young people gaining access to the site.

“During school holidays children have a lot of free time on their hands and the council would encourage parents to advise their children as to the risks involved in entering sites such as the viaduct and putting themselves and others at the risk of serious injury.”