The Housing Executive said they will work with local representatives to minimise potential property damage
belfastlive.co.uk
19:27, 07 Jul 2026
The Eleventh Night bonfire in the Abbot Crescent area of Newtownards
Residents have raised concerns regarding a bonfire built less than 20 metres from residential properties in a Co Down estate.
The bonfire, located on Abbot Crescent in the Bowtown Estate in Newtownards, is currently estimated to be around 62 pallets high and 60 wide.
It is located on land owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, with residents being told they can collect boards to protect the windows of their homes at the local community hall.
The Housing Executive said it does not give permission for bonfires to be built on its land. It said it works with other agencies and community representatives to “take steps to reduce any risks”, which can include boarding up nearby properties.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told Belfast Live: “There is a high possibility of severe property damage/destruction and/or loss of life. This side of the Abbot Crescent is mostly made up of elderly residents and no one seems to be doing anything.
“The NIHE in Ards sent a letter to all the residents in Abbot Crescent telling them that boards could be collected at the community hall, but if you own your home or have a private landlord you need to erect them yourself.”
The Eleventh Night bonfire in the Abbot Crescent area of Newtownards
A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said: “We do not provide approval for bonfires built on our land. However, we recognise this is a complex issue and one which can be very divisive.
“We regularly monitor each bonfire being built on our land and will do so in the weeks ahead.
“When dealing with bonfires on our land, we work with all relevant agencies, elected representatives and the community and take steps to reduce any risks in so far as we reasonably can. This can include adding protection to properties.
“In Ards and North Down, we will be working with local representatives to minimise potential damage to any property.
“We have offered protective boarding to both Housing Executive tenants and other residents and if individuals have any issues we would urge them to contact us and we will seek to provide a resolution.
“We’re also pleased that more of our local communities across NI have moved away from bonfires to more environmentally friendly beacons this summer.”
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