03/07/2006
Leisure centre damaged by arsonists
Police are treating a fire, which broke out at a west Belfast leisure centre over the weekend, as arson.
The blaze is understood to have started on the roof of the Whiterock Leisure Centre, just before 7.30pm yesterday evening.
Around ten fire crews were called to tackle the fire, and it is understood to have taken around 45 minutes to bring under control.
Fire fighters managed to contain the blaze to the roof area, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building.
Sinn Fein's Michael Ferguson said the fire followed a number of anti-social behaviour incidents over the past 24 hours and added that there appears to be a wrecking crew in the area who are hell bent on causing destruction.
He continued by saying that the centre has been undergoing renovation in an attempt to provide better facilities for young people in the community.
He said: "Those who have set out to destroy it have no social conscience at all.
"There is no place in this community because they have broken faith with the community and they should leave. The community does not want them here."
It is understood that the damaged caused to the roof during the fire could cost around £10,000.
Police have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have any information on those responsible for causing the blaze, to contact them on 0845 600 8000 or on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
(EF/SP)
The blaze is understood to have started on the roof of the Whiterock Leisure Centre, just before 7.30pm yesterday evening.
Around ten fire crews were called to tackle the fire, and it is understood to have taken around 45 minutes to bring under control.
Fire fighters managed to contain the blaze to the roof area, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building.
Sinn Fein's Michael Ferguson said the fire followed a number of anti-social behaviour incidents over the past 24 hours and added that there appears to be a wrecking crew in the area who are hell bent on causing destruction.
He continued by saying that the centre has been undergoing renovation in an attempt to provide better facilities for young people in the community.
He said: "Those who have set out to destroy it have no social conscience at all.
"There is no place in this community because they have broken faith with the community and they should leave. The community does not want them here."
It is understood that the damaged caused to the roof during the fire could cost around £10,000.
Police have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have any information on those responsible for causing the blaze, to contact them on 0845 600 8000 or on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
17 September 2014
Community Fire Station Opens In Omagh
Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots has opened a new £4.4m Community Fire Station in Omagh, County Tyrone. The new Community Fire Station & District Headquarters on the Killybrack Road includes onsite facilities for firefighter training and transport and engineering workshops.
Community Fire Station Opens In Omagh
Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots has opened a new £4.4m Community Fire Station in Omagh, County Tyrone. The new Community Fire Station & District Headquarters on the Killybrack Road includes onsite facilities for firefighter training and transport and engineering workshops.
19 January 2015
Car Damaged By Petrol Bomb In Lurgan
A car has been damaged after a petrol bomb was thrown in Lurgan, County Armagh. The incident is reported to have occurred in the Boconnell Court area at around 20:30 on Sunday. The device was thrown at the vehicle as it was parked in a driveway, causing fire damage. The PSNI has appealed for anyone with information to contact them.
Car Damaged By Petrol Bomb In Lurgan
A car has been damaged after a petrol bomb was thrown in Lurgan, County Armagh. The incident is reported to have occurred in the Boconnell Court area at around 20:30 on Sunday. The device was thrown at the vehicle as it was parked in a driveway, causing fire damage. The PSNI has appealed for anyone with information to contact them.
02 April 2012
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.
20 July 2010
UK-Born Limerick Fireman Compensated
An English-born firefighter has been awarded €5,000 in compensation for discrimination by Limerick City Council. An Equality Tribunal heard Martin Mannering, now living in Cappamore, Co Limerick was left a note to leave his job because he was no longer "in Middlesbrough".
UK-Born Limerick Fireman Compensated
An English-born firefighter has been awarded €5,000 in compensation for discrimination by Limerick City Council. An Equality Tribunal heard Martin Mannering, now living in Cappamore, Co Limerick was left a note to leave his job because he was no longer "in Middlesbrough".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.