Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘Cops don’t care’ about bonfire site
Youths’ claim over car park pyre
We have no legislative powers to remove bonfires or waste PSNI SPOKESMAN YESTERDAY
A GANG of young men involved in building an Eleventh night bonfire in a public car park have claimed the police “don’t really care” about it.
Four youths told the Mirror the pyre was being erected on the East Belfast site because the city council had gone back on a deal to store their pallets. When their claims were put to the PSNI, a spokesman said: “Police have no legislative powers to remove bonfires or waste which has been illegally disposed at sites, however we will support other statutory bodies to carry out their role if requested to do so.” The youths said they would not talk on the record because they didn’t want “negative publicity”. They added in previous years the bonfire was built on land at the other side of a children’s play park just metres away. But since their pallets were “stolen” from the council they said they have had to source new ones. Now the material is being piled high close to homes off the Upper Newtownards Road. Up until a few days ago the car park was being used as it was intended. Now staff at the nearby Alliance Party office said they have received a number of complaints about the takeover. The PSNI spokesman added: “We will fully investigate any complaints in relation to breach of the peace, allegations of antisocial behaviour, criminal damage or disorder in relation to bonfires and where we are aware of a crime being committed an investigation will follow.” He also admitted those involved could be committing a crime, saying: “A bonfire built on land without the landowner’s permission may involve civil trespass and criminal damage. “The legality of a bonfire depends on a range of issues, including whether or not bonfire builders have sought the permission of the landowner and what the bonfire contains. “Police are always willing to address community concerns on a broad number of issues, including bonfires, and we would always advise organisers ensure they have sought permission from relevant landowners and that bonfires are safe, pose no threat to life or property and are not likely to prompt a breach of the peace or any other offence.” A statement from Belfast City Council, which owns the car park on which the pallets have been piled, said: “Given the complexity of the situation, discussions are ongoing with elected members and partner agencies.”