Multi-agency approach needed to tackle ‘graffiti blight’

A CALL has made for Mid Ulster District Council to liaise with other agencies in a bid to tackle ‘graffiti blight’ in Dungannon.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the local authority, Cllr Clement Cuthbertson said, “Over the past few years, Dungannon has been blighted with graffiti and other derelict buildings and stuff.

“I know there’s cases where graffiti can be acted on fairly quickly if it’s offensive or if it’s threatening behaviour or whatever, but I was just wondering maybe if we could do a bit of work on this in relation to the graffiti.

“If you’re going any route into Dungannon, should it be turn left here, go past the chapel [in Killyman Road], every green pillar box, every lamppost, every sign has something on it.

“There are a number of private properties with something on them.

“If we could approach the different utility companies, the different departments, various landowners, just to see if we can get something moving on it.

“Also, if you come on the A29, the main road into Dungannon, the former Inn on the Park, it’s an absolute eyesore, there was boarding put up on it a couple of years ago and it has peeled apart.

“People are contacting me weekly about it, they feel that there’s maybe dumping going on.”

Cllr Cuthbertson added, “If we could draw all these issues together.

“I know the council is not responsible for them all because it’s not all council property, but if we could do a bit of work on it and maybe engage with these other departments to see if we can get Dungannon
cleaned up, looking better and more attractive for the visitors coming in.”