Kelly condemns arson at former Adria site!

SDLP Strabane District Councillor Patsy Kelly has condemned those behind a fire at the former Adria site in the town.

Thu 9th August

Police and fire crews attended the site this morning after a number of tyres which were being stored in undergrowth for use in bonfires were set ablaze, very close to the nearby residential area of Ashgrove Park.

Cllr Kelly said: “This fire appears to have been started by people using the abandoned site as a venue for drinking and it was an act of gross irresponsibility.

“Having spoken to the police this morning, I am told that the only reason there was no major damage is because the wind was blowing away from the Ashgrove Park area.

“Had it been blowing in the opposite direction, the fire could well have spread to trees and oil-tanks owned by residents, causing huge damage and even, possibly, injury.

“Obviously, I condemn those who set the fire and appeal to anyone with information to pass it on to the police immediately.

“However, there is the deeper issue here which is that the owner of the Adria site has not taken due care to secure the site and maintain it so that tyres, or anything else for that matter, cannot be stored in undergrowth and access cannot be gained to the compound.

“They need to take responsibility for their property, maintain it as best they can, trim back any undergrowth that is not needed to protect the privacy of adjoining houses and keep the site safe and crime-free until it can be redeveloped.

“The people of Ashgrove Park, Melmount and Old Ballycolman deserve nothing less.”