Contractors working on traffic signals in Dundonald faced a harrowing experience as they were harassed by a hostile crowd, who resorted to throwing stones and bottles at them while they were simply trying to carry out their work. The distressing incident unfolded at the junction of Upper Newtownards Road, Dunlady Road, and Robbs Road on Tuesday, January 21, around 8:30 pm. Despite the presence of police officers attempting to intervene, the belligerent crowd persisted, forcing the contractors to abandon their work for their own safety.
The disruptive behavior of the crowd not only posed a threat to the contractors but also resulted in delays and inefficiencies at the traffic lights, according to local representatives. The incident left the work unfinished, prompting East Belfast MP and DUP Leader Gavin Robinson to express his disappointment. He emphasized the impact of the episode on the completion of the necessary work, stressing the need for measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
Witnesses Recount the Hostile Encounter
A contractor working at the junction described the escalating situation that unfolded on that fateful evening. The workers initially paused their activity in hopes that the unruly group would disperse, but to their dismay, the crowd only grew in size and hostility. With some individuals donning face coverings, the situation quickly turned violent as projectiles were hurled at the workers, endangering their safety and hindering their progress on the vital repairs to the traffic signals.
The passing police patrol’s attempt to intervene proved futile as the crowd persisted in their aggressive behavior, ultimately forcing the workers to retreat from the site. The contractors had been engaged by the Department for Infrastructure to recut vehicle detection loops associated with the traffic signals, working outside normal hours to minimize disruption. However, the inability to complete the repairs as planned now necessitates a costly and inconvenient daytime repair operation to ensure both worker safety and signal efficiency.
Community Leaders Call for Accountability and Prevention
In the aftermath of the disturbing incident, community leaders and officials have called for accountability and preventative measures to safeguard against future acts of aggression towards essential workers. Councillor Sharon Skillen urged parents to have conversations with their children about the consequences of such behavior, highlighting the importance of fostering a culture of respect and civility in the community.
The Department for Infrastructure has requested assistance to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, emphasizing the need for a safe working environment for all workers engaged in essential infrastructure maintenance. The repercussions of the hostile encounter extend beyond the immediate disruption to traffic signals, underscoring the broader impact on public safety, efficiency, and community relations.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this regrettable incident, efforts are underway to address the root causes of such behavior and promote a culture of mutual respect and cooperation. By coming together to condemn acts of aggression and support those tasked with maintaining critical infrastructure, we can work towards a safer and more harmonious community for all.
