Springhill residents ‘fear for their lives’ over wall

AN over-hanging wall in Strabane could potentially kill someone if repair works are not carried out as a matter of urgency, it has been claimed.

The wall, situated next to a walkway and steps in Springhill Park which are used on a daily basis by residents, is said to be buckling due to a build up of pressure behind it.

Speaking out this week, Tony McLaughlin, chairperson of the Springhill-Mount Carmel Community Association (SMCAA) and Melmount Community Forums (MCF) has said that the wall must be taken down before it falls.

“We at SMCCA are deeply concerned about the dangerous condition of the large wall accommodating steps for access to the row of houses encompassing 24-34 Springhill Park,” he explained. “These steps are used daily by a lot of residents in the area. A significant amount of pressure has built up behind the wall, with the top having split into several sections and it has begun to seriously overhang.

“When the problem was first brought to our attention in April of 2021, the overhang was measured and it was at 55 millimetres. We measured it again in October of this year and the wall now measured 61 millimetres.”

He continued, “It now looms over the steps and there is a real fear that the wall could collapse, seriously injuring or maybe even killing someone.”

Mr McLaughlin told of how he had consulted two local builders for an opinion, both of whom shared deep concerns.

They cited wear and tear on the wall as well as vibrations emitting from traffic as contributing to its deterioration.

He continued, “Residents are now afraid to use the steps, forcing them to use their back entrances as a way of entering and leaving their premises, which is totally unacceptable. Our estate is under attack from neglect by the statutory bodies that need to wake up and do something – quick.”

When contacted this week, a spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said that following an inspection, hat the wall is in ‘no imminent danger’ of failure.