Coleraine community left “disgusted” after 11 lifelines taken from River Bann
A joint appeal has been made by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the PSNI
A joint appeal has been made by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the PSNI following the removal of 11 individual lifelines along the River Bann.
The lifesaving aids were removed from the strecth of review goes from the Old Bridge at Christie Park to the Cutts at Castleroe.
This left no emergency aids in place along that section of river.
Throwlines and buoyancy aids can make the difference between life and death, and there is a growing concern that a tragedy will occur if this type of mindless behaviour continues.
The Mayor, Councillor Richard Holmes, said similar incidents have taken place in recent months, but the issue came to a head this week.
He said: “This vital equipment is provided for the simple purpose of keeping people safe, and it is beyond belief that it would be removed or destroyed.
“To take all 11 lifelines, leaving a long stretch of riverbank without emergency equipment, is a disgrace and we cannot allow this to continue.
“To those behind this - it must stop before it’s too late.
“I think people are shocked it is happening.
“You work on the basis when you walk along these paths that the equipment is there and it’s there when you need it.
“Certainly, comments that have been made, people are absolutely disgusted by it.
“They just cannot believe anyone would do this but sadly we live in a society where a tiny handful of people will do this.
“If anyone had fallen in there’s no equipment to help them, you’re relying on someone else to go in an save them and lives could be lost here.
“An emergency can arise at any time. It could be your friend or family member in need and this equipment could save their live.
“To anyone who witnesses such irresponsible behaviour please make sure to report it immediately and help us address this grave situation.”
Supporting the Mayor’s comments, Sergeant Clare Sweeney said: “It defies belief that people are willing to put the lives of others at risk through such reckless action.
"We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the lines being taken or saw anything suspicious in the area earlier this week to contact us on 101 quoting reference 537 of June 25th."
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