Downpatrick Presbyterian Church graveyard Originally uploaded by downgreenparty Green Party Cllr Bill Corry of Downpatrick condemned the toppling and destruction of gravestones at his local church yesterday. Some of the damaged gravestones date from the late 1800s and could not be repaired. Bill called on some local parents to bring their children under control. This is part of an ongoing series of attacks on the church and is forcing the church to look at the possibility of cc TV cameras.Bill said, “There were 11 graves affected and the security screens at the back of the church had been burned as well, possibly with fireworks or cigarette lighters. I doubt if this was a sectarian attack. Rather, I think it is a case of mindless vandalism. I hope that the publicity surrounding this outrage will force local parents to consider their consciences and take control of their children”
Bill called on parents of young teenagers to take responsibility, and to know where their children were – especially at Halloween when the usual anti-social elements are afforded new opportunities with fire and fireworks.