Sinn Fein MLA calls for removal of Newtownards bonfire
It's over concerns about the bonfire's proximity to a fire station
A Sinn Fein MLA is calling for a Newtownards bonfire to be removed by police.
Colm Gildernew has written to the Health Minister raising concerns about its proximity to a fire station.
He says he's worried fire-fighting operations could be hampered on the 11th of July - their busiest night of the year.
In a statement the Sinn Fein Health Spokesperson said, “The erection of a bonfire extremely close to a fire station in Newtownards is deeply concerning.”
“Workers in the fire station are now currently making preparations for the worst case scenario, with plans to board up windows to protect the property.”
“The 11th of July is the busiest night of the year for our fire service and this bonfire which could impede on their work and capacity to fulfil their duty to protect citizens is not only totally reckless, but outright dangerous.”
"This is a life-saving service which could be hampered by this bonfire.”
“This is the 21st century, it is 2021. In what other society would it be acceptable to place frontline public services at risk with a large, towering fire?”
“I have written to Health Minister Robin Swann raising these very serious concerns and asking that the Minister requests an urgent intervention by the PSNI to remove this dangerous bonfire.”