Bonfire clean-up cost ‘unjustified’ - SDLP

The ‘astronomical’ bill to ratepayers was lambasted by SDLP Councillor Declan McAlinden who said the huge cost of the clear ups is ‘unjustified’.

Cllr McAlinden said: “The £83,864 spent is unjustifiable. However, none of the costs quantify the damage to community relations, the damage to people’s health, particularly children and elderly people and, of course, the harm the countless tyres, tins of paint and other toxic materials are doing to the environment.”

Figures released by Environment Minister Alex Attwood, Craigavon Council’s bill was second highest only to Newry and Mourne which spent £119,705 while Belfast was third highest with a £83,400 bill over five years.