A Derry councillor yesterday said the days for bonfires are ‘long gone’.

By Melissa Towell

melissa@derrynews.net

Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Campbell was speaking after anti-social behaviour at a number of fires in the city on Friday night.

Mr Campbell said he believes it is an outdated tradition that causes mayhem in the community.

“Unfortunately bonfires attract an anti social element and all the associated side effects of alcohol and drugs.

“What people don’t seem to realise also is that a major clean up operation has to take place afterwards.

“I would like to commend Derry City Council for all their hard work and also the fire service who put out the blaze itself on Friday night, but they shouldn’t have to do either. There are much more positive and environmentally friendly ways people can celebrate.”

In other incidents, two derelict properties were set alight on Friday night and two petrol bombs thrown from the Fountain into Upper Bennett Street.

No one was hurt during the petrol bomb attack in the early hours and no damage was caused. 

One of the vacant houses set on fire was on the Northland Road. The building has been targeted previously by arsonists.

SDLP councillor Mark H Durkan condemned those behind the attack.

“There have been reports that this house has been used as a gathering point for young people.

“I would stress that anyone involved in setting fire to derelict properties are putting their own lives at risk.

“I am aware that there is an application to develop these building and I would be keen to see these plans come to fruition.”

The other property set alight over the weekend was in the Clonmeen Drive area of Strathfoyle.