Dead sheep dumped in scenic area

A NUMBER of dead sheep have been dumped in a scenic countryside area between Sixmilecross and Killeeshil.

It is one of a number of incidents of illegal dumping in the South Tyrone area during the past week.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has also been notified about rodents which have been seen in an area just off the Eglish junction on the A4.

Plastic bags believed to contain foodstuffs were dumped there.

Mid Ulster District Council cleared rubbish which was left in the vicinity of the Glenmore walkway, close to Killeeshil.

The area is popular among local walkers and has been extensively developed in recent years by the council.

Concerns about the dumping have been raised by Mid Ulster independent councillor, Kevin McElvogue. He called on those responsible to show more regard for the local countryside, and said the dumping could have a bad impact on local waterways and wildlife.

“I’ve been contacted by people who are very angry about the rubbish being dumped and I have contacted the relevant authorities about the dumping,” he said.

“There are sheep and a number of lamps which were just left near a waterway on the Lurganmore Road at Ballynaheigh, between Sixmilecross and Killeeshil. It’s very bad, and locals cannot understand why those responsible dump the animals there when there’s processing facilities for dead animals just a few miles away.

“The council has cleared the rubbish left at Glenmore walkway, but it’s very frustrating because that area is very popular among walkers and is important to the health and wellbeing of those living in the area.

“I’ve also been at the scene near Eglish where you can see vermin at the site of the rubbish that was dumped there.”

Cllr McElvogue said the worry about the rubbish is the impact that it could have on local waterways and the environment generally.

“This seems to be a problem which is becoming more frequent in local areas and it has to stop,” he added.

“The people who have been contacting me are very worried because they don’t want to see liquids seeping into local streams. It’s very hard to understand why people would do that type of thing.”