Call for action following arson attack at Strabane Grammar

A DEVASTATING blaze at the historic site of the old Strabane Grammar School has prompted calls for immediate action to be taken to protect the building. Police have confirmed the blaze, in the early hours of Saturday morning, was started deliberately and are appealing for witnesses.

A local councillor, who has repeatedly called for the site to be developed, believes both the Education Authority and the local council will be glad to ‘see the place destroyed’ following the latest fire at the Liskey Road site.

Raymond Barr believes the site should be turned into some kind of heritage centre, while other local leaders have suggested the large 23-acre site could be turned into a nature trail, a visitor centre, a youth facility, or a combination of all three.

Cllr Barr explained, “It is well documented that I have been talking with council about taking on the site from the Education Authority for many years now in the hope that they will turn the site into a cultural centre, something unique for the town. However, it is clear to me that there has never been one serious attempt by council to take ownership of the site, just token gestures.

“There is absolutely no onus on either the part of the council or the Education Authority, despite lobbying from the Strabane Historical Society, councillors and MLAs, to retain the site and I honestly do believe they would be happy if it was burnt to the ground,” Cllr Barr said.

The gatehouse at the entrance to the property was once home to the renown writer Cecil Frances Alexander, who penned a number of classic hymns including All Things Bright and Beautiful and Once in Royal David’s City.

Making reference to the property’s historic resident, Cllr Barr continued, “If this site – in particular the gatehouse where Cecil Frances Alexander lived – gets destroyed, then we have lost something of serious cultural impact to the town. When you talk about ‘shared spaces’ then the site at the old school is ideal. I feel the attitude of both council and the Education Authority to yet another arson attempt at the site is nothing short of arrogant and dismissive and the decision taken to withdraw security at the site only proves that.

“We are now at the point where the arsonists will start larger and larger fires in an attempt to finally raze the entire site to the ground, playing into the hands of the authorities who want to rid themselves of the responsibility. I would appeal for people to stay away from the site and for those in power to put the Education Authority and council to the sword and get something done.”

MLA Daniel McCrossan, from the SDLP, has also demanded that the Education Authority stop their dithering over the future of the site.

He said, “I have raised the security of this historical site on many occasions and on all occasions, I was given assurances that this site would be protected. There is a historical attachment to these buildings which are an important part of our local heritage. I am calling on the Education Authority to secure this site immediately and urge those trespassing on it to refrain from doing so. Every match you strike is setting fire to and destroying an important part of the fabric of this area.”

Sinn Féin councillor Michaela Boyle added, “These former school buildings have suffered acts of vandalism and arson in the past, but the damage suffered in this arson attack is really bad. This site needs to be developed for the benefit of the local community and I will be pressing Derry City and Strabane District Council on their interest in acquiring it. I would urge the public to stay away from this site. Arson attacks puts life and limb in danger.”

Both the Education Authority and council were asked to respond to the comments. Neither had responded at the time of going to press.