CONCERN has been voiced about the amount of rubbish and graffiti at one of the district’s most popular beauty spots.
Cllr Jill Truesdale said it is “hugely disappointing” to see.
She is calling for more funding to be made available so the Bloody Bridge area can be patrolled.
“The recent warm weather has seen a rise in general rubbish, one-time use barbecues, clothing and towels, as people head to pools to swim,” Cllr Truesdale stated.
“Very few, if any, bring their rubbish back down to the bins in the car park, preferring to leave it to the National Trust rangers and the goodwill of people.
“Anyone with any respect for the natural environment knows there are a number of dangers associated with leaving this type of rubbish behind you.
“Fires, hazards to other people, hazards to wildlife and blowing into the rivers and out to the sea.”
She added that this has been going on for a long time.
“People are not getting the message,” she said.
“A recent video on the Mourne Mountains Hiking page showing the destruction left by a few hot days had over 3.8 thousand views and every comment lamented the state of what individuals left behind.”
She also voiced her dismay at the presence of graffiti at the Bloody Bridge.
“Across the road, on the sea side, the arch bridge under the road has been freshly covered in graffiti.
“This is managed by the council, but it can be very difficult to clean due to its location,” said Cllr Truesdale.
“However, if we are encouraging visitors to the area then plans must be in place to deal with this.
“The National Trust operate on a policy of accessibility and therefore welcome everyone to the properties they look after.”
But, she said, they don’t “welcome this ruinous behaviour at a site of historical importance”.
Cleaning up after visitors diverts National Trust staff away from the important work they carry out to preserve and protect areas like the Bloody Bridge, she added.
“It’s hugely disappointing to see this, and it’s not the first time,” added The Mournes DEA councillor.
“It takes a lot of resources and manpower to clean up not only the rubbish left but the deliberate and wanton vandalism occurring here.
“This takes precious resources away from jobs such as path maintenance, invasive species clearing, managing cattle, tasks the highly trained staff are here to do, tasks important for preserving our beautiful environment and helping to increase accessible places.
“The one thing they do not want to be doing is cleaning up after people.”
The car park at the Bloody Bridge is managed by the district council.
Cllr Truesdale pointed out that the public toilets have been refurbished and painted.
She praised the efforts of council staff to keep the public toilets clean and tidy.
“During high season the toilets are cleaned every morning as well as the bins.
“The refuse and cleansing staff do a great job, sometimes coming upon dreadful sights in the morning.”
Cllr Truesdale said the picnic tables are in a “poor condition”, adding that this doesn’t make it an attractive place for visitors to stop, “even though the views and walks are stunning”.
“Having spoken to council they are going to assess the tables and look at expenditure to see if they can be repaired or replaced.
“I am hopeful they will see this investment in a shared space as necessary to visitors and residents alike.”
Cllr Truesdale added that the Bloody Bridge site is routinely used as a command centre for the various agencies involved in tackling wildfires in the Mournes.
“The importance and beauty of this area cannot be underestimated and it’s time funding was increased to ensure the area is patrolled and kept clear of those wishing to destroy or harm,” added the Alliance councillor.
“I have long advocated for a team of multi-agency permanent rangers working across the Mournes from the lower slopes at Bloody Bridge and Donard Wood to the top of Donard, educating and enforcing the rules where necessary.
“We must protect and preserve this important area and while I do not endorse the language of business creeping into declarations about the environment the recent statement by the Sinn Féin Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, hit the nail on the head when she said: ‘The Mournes are an important asset, they add to the collective assets that we are lucky to have as part of our portfolio, I have the pleasure of selling them as a destination for people to visit’.
“And I would add to her statement ‘and also for people to live’”.
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