SDLP calls for action over Adria Site before Halloween

This week the SDLP in Strabane has called on the owners of the Adria site in Strabane to be secured, before the havoc of Halloween bonfires becomes a problem for residents.

Speaking on the issue SDLP Strabane District Councillor Patsy Kelly said, “The Adria site is still an on-going issue for residents as nothing has been done to secure the site and stop it being the local drinking spot. Continuous stress and frustration is being felt by residents regarding the Adria site and the lack of progress in getting the site secured.”

“The Adria site has been a continuing nightmare for quite a number of months, and with numerous attempts at a resolve failing to amount to any form of acceptable solution. Members of the public in close residence with the Adria site feel in constant battle with the local authorities, they feel that the site in its current condition is a potential risk to their properties and their own personal health and well-being.”

Also speaking on the issue was SDLP Representative for the area Patrick Leonard who said “Many residents live in a constant vigilance of the site in fear of a fire being started that may endanger their homes. The problem stems from young people being allowed easy access to the site and collecting for bonfires. The concern comes not only from the threat of fire but, as many of the bonfires consist of rubber tyres, the potential harm that the smoke fumes from such bonfires can cause especially to many of the older residents living in the area. This now becomes an environmental health issue as the fumes can travel a considerable distance from the site.”

Residents have witnessed that during construction of these bonfires many young people take a considerable risk, building and climbing on top of very high, unstable structures. Something must be done before someone is hurt or worse, killed.”