Those behind an attempted vandalism attack on the new footbridge under construction over the River Mourne in Strabane have been condemned by local Sinn Fein Councillor Karina Carlin.
Cllr Carlin revealed a young man who challenged those involved was attacked with stones.
She said: “I received a phone-call on behalf of local residents saying that a group of five teenage boys had moved the portable toilet being used by workers involved in the groundworks construction and were attempting to tip it over the new ramp foundation that has been built over the water wall to the river bank below.
“Residents who remonstrated with them were ignored but the those involved eventually abandoned what they were at, when another young fella who was making his way along the Melvin Walkway bravely challenged them.
“They started backing away but began firing stones at the young fella who had ‘interupted’ their designs.
“By the time I and another Sinn Fein member arrived they were just out of sight but were still shouting.
“I phoned the contractor to make him aware of what was happening and he called back to say that he had phoned the PSNI.
“We remained at the scene in case those involved would come back to try and finish off what they had started.
“But after about 20 minutes there was still no sign of the PSNI so I contacted them myself and shortly afterwards they did arrive on the scene and now have promised to keep an eye on the area in effort to prevent any further vandalism attempts at the site.
Cllr Carlin concluded: “However, I would make an direct appeal to those who involved themselves in this attempted act of serious vandalism to desist from interfering in any way with any fittings, fixtures that are or will be on this site now and from here on. This Pedestrian Bridge has been long awaited and the last thing we now need is any setbacks which could delay or add to the costs of its construction.”
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