Londonderry: Contractors 'unwilling' to remove bonfire material
A housing association in Northern Ireland has said it cannot find a contractor willing to remove bonfire material from a site earmarked for multimillion-pound redevelopment.Apex Housing said enabling works for the £11m redevelopment of Meenan Square in Londonderry's Bogside had been due to start within weeks.But that cannot happen until it finds a firm willing to remove the material currently stored on the derelict site, where bonfires have led to trouble in previous years. "We have explored all available options to remove bonfire materials from the site; however, no contractor has been willing to undertake the work due to significant health and safety concerns," a spokesperson said.
The initial works on the site, Apex said, had been due to get under way in early June."But due to the ongoing unauthorised activity and associated safety risks, these works will be delayed unless the site can be cleared and safely accessed," Apex told BBC Radio Foyle's Mark Patterson Show.Apex submitted a full planning application for the site, which it owns, in February for a development that includes housing, retail, office and other commercial space.Previous bonfires in Meenan Square have attracted some criticism in recent years.Apex could also not source a contractor in 2024 to remove materials in the run-up to the bonfire.It said it was continuing work this year "to find a resolution that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of the local community."
SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin said she understood Apex's concerns which, she said, had left her disappointed."The enabling works which were basically due to start next week are now being delayed – that will push back the development process," she said."We want to see this site regenerated and for the proud people that live in the region of the Bogside to have what they deserve in the midst of their community."She said the majority of people in the community did not want a bonfire on the site and a resolution was needed urgently.
'Forced entry'
Apex said work to repair the site's boundary fences was currently ongoing following "repeated incidents of forced entry".A spokesperson said it was "committed to progressing with the planned development as soon as possible."Stormont's Executive Office (TEO) is working with Apex on the redevelopment project. BBC News NI has contacted TEO for comment.
In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they recognised the cultural significance of bonfires in some communities across Northern Ireland, while also acknowledging the concerns they may raise. They said they worked closely with councils, statutory bodies, community representatives and landowners to "address community safety issues" related to bonfires. "Where criminal offences, such as the suspected theft of pallets, are identified, police may seize materials as part of ongoing enquiries," they said. "While we do not comment on individual security matters, we take all potential risks to individuals seriously and act accordingly."
Why is the bonfire being lit?
Bonfires on 15 August are traditional in some nationalist parts of Northern Ireland to mark the Catholic Feast of the Assumption.Some bonfires are also lit in nationalist areas in August to commemorate the introduction of internment without trial of republican suspects, which was introduced by the government in 1971.Last year police said they were treating the display of flags and banners - including union flags, a King Charles coronation flag and the flag of Israel - on the bonfire as a hate crime.The names of US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were also written on that flag next to a swastika and crosshair.The police investigated shots being fired near the site in 2022 and also investigated reports of political material - including flags and poppy wreaths - being placed on the bonfire as potential hate crimes.Posters placed on the bonfire in 2021 referenced former Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Simon Byrne and one referred to the murder of Catholic police officer Ronan Kerr.Mr Kerr was killed when dissident republicans fitted a booby-trapped bomb to his car in Omagh, County Tyrone, in 2011.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
We live on Britain's ‘death trap' road…there's constant crashes – locals are desperate to move before someone dies
FURIOUS residents are fed up with living on "one of the most dangerous roads" in Britain - the scene of constant car crashes. Carlton Road, in Nottingham, and its nearby junction, have been dubbed a 'death trap' by locals who fear for their lives, with many desperate to sell-up. 11 11 The stretch of road is notoriously busy due to being one of the main ways in and out of the town centre. And has seen more than 70 crashes in the last five years. In the latest collision, earlier this month, resident Nick Cox, 42, had his car written-off after it was caught in the crossfire of a high speed police chase. Nick was woken up in the early hours of June 11 to find his car had been wrecked. The rear wheel and fender of his parked Hyundai had been ripped off and scattered meters up the road, after a driver being pursued by the cops had smashed into it. The IT worker was unfortunately left 'frustrated and annoyed' but not 'too surprised.' He told The Sun: 'We have had quite a few accidents. 'It's the second time, granted in 18 years, that my car's been hit on the road - it's dangerous.' Nick explained that he witnesses daily speeding and believes improved signage may help deter some motorists from driving too fast. He added: 'I have got a 14-year-old lad who crosses the road to go to the shop. Shocking moment speeding van driver distracted by phone slams into broken-down car leaving victim with lifelong injuries 'It is putting everyone at risk. 'There needs to be at least some sort of speed warning or camera. It would deter a lot of people.' Another fed-up local, Michael Whitear, 46, has lived near the Porchester Road four-way traffic junction for the past 15 years. The former chef said: 'It used to be relatively quiet and peaceful here but over the years it has gotten worse. 'I have stopped driving now and don't feel safe as a pedestrian.' Michael told The Sun that there have been so many incidents at the spot in Carlton that some people have chosen to move away. He described the area as a 'death trap', adding that he felt safer when he used to live in London. Speaking from his doorstep, which overlooks the busy junction, Michael said: 'This has got to be one of the worst and most dangerous roads in the country. 'I don't know if there have been any fatalities but there have been lots of accidents with people being injured and cars damaged.' He went on to criticise the local council for failing to do anything to resolve the situation, an opinion which is shared by his neighbours. He added: 'There needs to be some traffic calming measures put in place but there is nothing. 'Drivers bomb down the hill past my house into town and often cross the lights on red, you see it happening all the time.' Michael explained that his concerned neighbour urged the authorities to set up speed cameras on the four key roads, which range from 20mph to 30mph, but nothing ever came of it. He said: 'I'm glad I'm not driving any more. It is only a matter of time that someone is hurt again or even killed. 'Also, when I did have a car, it wasn't safe parked on the street. I was always worried it would be hit.' 11 11 Hair salon boss Carrie-Ann Cooper said: 'It's crazy - the crossroads are very dangerous. 'Lots of people jump the lights and cars cut up others. 'Some houses have off-street parking but many park their vehicles in the street and the cats race past to swerve them and sometimes crash into them.' Carrie-Ann's business, Creations, is on a small parade in the densely populated residential neighbourhood. She explained that she lived in the flat above the salon for five years and has witnessed a lot of accidents. She added: 'We are on the brow of the hill and whichever way you go it is chaos. 'I would like to see the double lanes on each side of the road reduced to a single on the approach to the crossroads and maybe some speed bumps put in.' We are on the brow of the hill and whichever way you go it is chaos. I would like to see the double lanes on each side of the road reduced to a single on the approach to the crossroads and maybe some speed bumps put in. Carrie-Ann Cooperlocal resident Carrie-Ann said that cash-strapped Nottingham City Council, which declared itself bankrupt in November 2023, should be taking action. Student, Sophie Goodhead, 18, lives near the scene of the most recent crash. She said: 'It is just horrible, I see so many crashes here and it is shocking that nothing is being done.' 'A lot of the time it is e-bikes and scooters causing the problem.' Sophie, who is set to study Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University in September, said: 'Many people are driving clearly intoxicated, speeding and getting to the traffic lights on yellow and jumping on red. 'You can hear the engines revving up. 'There is always an accident waiting to happen. 'It can be terrifying at times. I am always walking around to catch the bus and you don't always feel safe.' 11 11 11 Nottingham City Council previously said it recognised there could be an 'emerging issue' with speeding on Carlton Road, but much to the locals' frustration, it is still yet to be seen as a priority. Resident Katie Keating is trying to mastermind an awareness campaign and has accused the police and council of 'moving the goalposts.' The childminder has collated statistics which reveal there have been upwards of 70 crashes on the entire B686 stretch of Carlton Road over the last five years. Katie said: 'They keep saying it's not as dangerous as others in the area or they have not got enough money.' Katie's neighbour, Barbara Broddel, added: 'It is very bad up this road and some drivers just don't take notice.' Barbara has lived in the area for four decades and admitted that the problem is only getting worse. She said: 'There have been quite a few bad crashes. 'We have been out on the road diverting traffic. 'There could be children in these cars they crash into. There could be someone crossing the road. 'It is getting worse and it is very worrying.' 'So much speeding and bad driving' On the latest crash, Barbara said: 'It is bad but it didn't surprise me.' Another disgruntled resident, Dean Roberts, 46, complained: 'There is so much speeding and bad driving here - it is ridiculous. 'I am a driver and always very careful but it is the idiots you have to watch out for. 'It is mainly the young males in Mercedes and BMW at fault.' Dean, who is a worker at Boots warehouse, added: 'Then there's all the e-bikes and motorbikes, and people drinking and driving, and many potholes and it all spells danger. 'The crossroads are so busy with Carlton Road being the way in and out of town and people rushing everywhere. Another local added: 'My neighbour's car has been written off and my own car has been hit three times with varying degrees of damage. 'It is not fair to the people living here and it is dangerous for everybody.' A council spokesperson told Nottinghamshire Live: 'While we appreciate feedback from residents, we have to prioritise our traffic calming activities to the roads where the highest number of incidents and accidents are happening.' 'This section of Carlton Road is not currently one of the highest priority roads but we will continue to monitor the situation and will investigate when we have been able to tackle the higher priority locations. 'We also continue to seek out extra funding to allow us to increase the amount that we are able to do each year.' Nottinghamshire Police also declined to comment on the concerns over speeding, but confirmed three men , aged between 21 and 22, had been arrested in relation to the recent crash. The police told Nottinghamshire Live that they were all detained on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance. Inspector Chris Chell described it as an "appalling display of driving' that put people's lives in danger. The Sun have reached out to Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire Police for further comment. Do you know more? Email 11 11
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Rail minister Peter Hendy facing private prosecution for texting while driving vintage double-decker bus
RAIL minister Peter Hendy is facing a private prosecution for texting while driving a busload of sightseers. Police dropped the case against Lord Hendy citing 'insufficient evidence' — despite him apologising. But passenger John Sarson, 68, who made the initial complaint to cops, has applied to prosecute. The businessman said he saw Lord Hendy texting at the wheel of a vintage double-decker bus near Westminster Bridge in central London on March 28. In April, a spokesman for the 72-year-old peer said: 'Last month Peter Hendy used his phone while driving. He has apologised in full for this error of judgment and has contacted the police.' A source said: 'John is baffled over how someone can admit to police he committed an offence but not face prosecution.' The Met Police initially said in April the case had been closed because of a lack of evidence. But Lord Hendy then reported himself to the Met which reopened the case before closing it again last month. John is waiting to hear from the City of London magistrates' court if his legal bid is successful. Lord Hendy was approached for comment. 1
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Jack thought he was meeting up with someone he had matched with on a dating app... the truth was much more sinister
An Australian man says he was 'too ashamed' to tell loved ones that he was lured to a date with another man when he was attacked by a group of at least eight teens. Jack Jacobs had made plans on February 9, 2020, to meet someone he met on Grindr, a popular dating application for gay men. When the then-24-year-old arrived at the dinner venue in East Melbourne, he said 'something was off'. 'A group of about eight or nine teenagers ran at me. I tried to run, but they caught up quickly,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Saturday. 'They threw me to the ground and started kicking me repeatedly, including in the head.' He called Triple-0 and a young woman, who saw him distressed, stayed with Mr Jacobs until police and ambulance services arrived. For years, he kept the full details of the incident to himself, explaining: 'I was too ashamed.' 'I lied to my friends and family because I didn't know how to explain what had happened.' Mr Jacobs told most people he had been randomly attacked while walking home, omitting any mention of the date. 'I didn't want anyone to judge me. I was just looking for food, not a hookup. But I knew how people could view it.' On Wednesday, Mr Jacobs shared the full details of the experience during an interview with Network Ten's The Project. 'That was the first time my friends and family knew everything,' he said days later, adding that he had received messages of support from many loved ones. But not everyone was kind, he said: 'One former colleague said, "Knowing Jack, he probably deserved what he got".' Mr Jacobs said he has chosen to come forward now to raise awareness about the dangers of online dating and the responsibility of dating apps. 'What scares me is how common this violence is becoming,' he said. 'After the attack, the person's profile was deleted immediately. They must have blocked me right after. I lost all the evidence, the chats, the photos, everything.' Following the attack, Mr Jacobs was taken to the Alfred Hospital where he was treated for head, wrist and knee injuries. 'They thought my knee was bruised, but later, I learned I'd torn two ligaments. That injury still hurts me today.' In the days following the attack, Jack contacted the police to file a Victims of Crime report but it had never been processed. 'I found out that my statement was never filed. There was no record of it,' he said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Victoria Police about the alleged incident but has not received specific comment. A police spokesperson did condemn the incident in a statement, saying there is 'no place for this type of concerning behaviour in our society'. 'We treat incidents of this nature with the utmost seriousness and urge anyone who has experienced this behaviour to come forward and make a report to police so we can investigate and track down the offenders responsible,' they said. They also said more than 30 arrests had been made since October 2024, 'in relation to attacks on men linked to the use of dating apps'. On the same day Mr Jacobs spoke to The Project, five Perth boys were jailed for a similar incident. The group of five boys, aged 16 and 17 at the time of the alleged incidents, are believed to have used Grindr to lure men to secluded areas, the ABC reported. Perth Children's Court heard that the boys, who cannot be named as they are underage, then attacked victims with weapons including a knife, machete, a metal bar, pepper spray and a taser. Daily Mail Australia does not suggest the incidents were related in any way, only that Mr Jacobs' account is indicative of an issue experienced by others in the country. Judge Wendy Hughes condemned the teenagers' actions as cruel and calculated, telling the court the behaviour was inexcusable. 'It's really difficult to believe that given your young ages that you would be so cruel to a human being,' she said. All five boys pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including unlawful wounding, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated armed robbery, threats with intent, distribution of an intimate image, and criminal damage. Half a decade on from the incident, Mr Jacobs has said he now thinks twice about using online platforms and struggles to trust the other party. 'I rarely use Grindr anymore. I don't meet people online without thoroughly vetting them,' he said. 'I've become much more cautious and less trusting, and I struggle to be as social as I once was. I've had to move forward the best I can. 'I'm sharing this now because I want people to understand that these things do happen, and no one should feel alone or ashamed if it happens to them. 'There is support out there, and there are people who understand what you're going through. Reaching out for help really does make a difference.'
