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Bonfire Season Sparks Costly Window Protection Fears
9 Jul
Summary
- Residents quoted nearly £800 to fit protective boarding on windows.
- Northern Ireland Housing Executive offers boards but only fits them for tenants.
- Tullycarnet Library boarded up windows to protect against a bonfire.
Residents near Churchill Park bonfire in Bangor are being quoted costs of almost £800 to fit protective boarding over their windows. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) stated they have offered protective boarding to all residents. However, only NIHE tenants will have the boards fitted by the organization, leaving other residents to source and pay for their own protection.
One resident expressed frustration, questioning why individuals must bear the expense of protecting their properties from predictable annual events. He noted that the cost of repair or replacement would far exceed the boarding expense. The NIHE acknowledges the complexity of bonfires and works with agencies and communities to mitigate risks, including property protection.
Elsewhere, Tullycarnet Library in east Belfast has boarded up more than 20 windows facing an upcoming bonfire. This precautionary measure aims to minimize potential damage to the building, which includes a toddlers' play area. The library remains open, with all services operating normally despite the temporary protection measures.
