Church to put up security cameras

By Johnny Caldwell
BBC News

Parishioners and others have been verbally abused

A County Down church is to install security cameras in a bid put an end to ongoing vandalism and harassment.

A nine foot high security fence is also to be erected around the graveyard of Downpatrick Presbyterian Church.

Last November headstones, some of which dated back hundreds of years, were smashed at the Fountain Street church.

Rev Harry Robinson said the measures were designed to make the church "more accessible, keeping it open for use by a wide range of people".

"A lot of different people use the church's halls, and we want them to be able to continue doing so," Rev Robinson told BBC News.

We've been very reluctant to take these steps, but have been left with no choice Rev Harry Robinson

The clergyman said people using the church's facilities were regularly verbally abused, although Sunday service usually took place without interference.

He added there had been further vandalism, which has been linked to underage drinking, in recent weeks.

"We've been very reluctant to take these steps, but have been left with no choice after appealing to the young people involved on numerous occasions to stop," said Rev Robinson.

Downpatrick Presbyterian Church has had to approach Down District Council about acquiring a strip of land on which to erect the security fence.

The move is expected to be given approval at the council's next full meeting.