Residents patrol area in an attempt to deter bonfires

TWO bonfires took place in the Aylesbury area over the weekend after “nine years” without one, including at a site near Sean Walsh Park, and residents have taken to patrols in an attempt to deter these incidents from cropping up again.

The green space behind the Kiltipper Pub were seen charred on Friday morning and again on Monday morning as bonfires struck the area, and members of St Martin’s Residents Association have undertaken walks together akin to visible patrols of their local green spaces.

Senator Teresa Costello condemned the acts in the local area and called for action to be taken to repurpose the green space near housing.

Senator Costello said: “It’s very disappointing to see so much damage done to a green space that has kids [playing] – it’s very dangerous…”

Residents have expressed their concerns at the antisocial behaviour.”

The local representative noted that residents in the area had previously raised concerns about antisocial ongoings at the location, with the discovery of drug paraphernalia noted to have occurred previously.

The removal of benches was also undertaken at a previous time due to antisocial behaviour at the location.

The senator suggested that goalposts be brought in to further reinforce the function of the space as a recreational spot for play and not for arson or other means.

St Martin’s Residents Association noted that the parks across the parish are much used for sports and recreation by residents of all ages.

The local residents association described the bonfires as “very disappointing” and called on people to work to deter this behaviour.

“The bonfires last weekend near Carrigmore in Aylesbury were very disappointing. The residents of Carrigmore want a clean park to enjoy and not to have to look out at a pile of rubbish…

“…We urge all local parents to speak to their kids and steer them away from this obvious danger to their children. No one wants to see any child injured.”

Residents in the nearby homes hope that their walks will put a stop to the issues in the area that have cropped up recently.

Community walks will take place from Friday evening and all walkers are welcome – pets must be on a lead.

Senator Teresa Costello noted that “walking around in high-vis” will make things more difficult for the bonfire architects.

“It’d be very difficult to pile a bonfire when we’re walking around in high-vis, it’s that presence.

“We just don’t want the bonfires there and they can’t be excused as ‘it’s Halloween’ and all – it’s been nine years.

“There’s residents sitting in their house looking at a fire, it’s just not fair. I visited the park early morning after the fire and late in the evening, and there’s a different energy.

“It doesn’t feel safe at night.”