Council issue warning to Christmas decoration vandals

Council have assembled a vast network of lights and trees across the city and district with recent switch-on ceremonies taking place in Derry, Strabane, Castlederg, Newtownstewart and Sion Mills with other smaller events planned for this week.

The tree in Strabane town centre has been damaged by vandals on a number of occasions and council’s Head of Environment, Conor Canning, urged people to respect the decorations, warning of the potential dangers of interfering with them.

“It’s a shame to see the decorations being vandalised, particularly so soon after the success of the recent Christmas switch-on events,” said Mr Canning.

“It’s not just an attack on the community but it is potentially very dangerous given the electrical equipment involved and the size of the trees council has erected.

“We would like to remind people that the decorations are there for everyone to enjoy throughout the festive season.

“We would urge everyone to respect this and warn those responsible that action will be taken by the PSNI against anyone engaging in such acts of vandalism.”