A RETREAT centre in Co Down has appealed to those responsible for anti-social behaviour in its grounds to 'think before they act'.
Tobar Mhuire Passionist Retreat and Conference Centre in Crossgar, which is operated by the Passionist Community, took to social mediab to highlight the extent of damage caused to its grounds as a result of vandalism.
The centre, which also has a chapel located in its grounds, posted on Facebook that: "Two large trees that have been set on fire in the past number of months have now fallen.
"One of them has caused major damage to the fence structure, ball netting and ground of the local Kilmore Rec FC.
"We would like to stress how dangerous this type of vandalism can be. This could have taken place during a game or while someone was walking past.
"We appeal to everyone involved to think before carrying out such acts of environmental damage; destruction to the local community and Tobar Mhuire.
"Tobar Mhuire has enough damage throughout the year around our grounds without having to deal with these acts of vandalism also."
Popular with the local community, who regularly used the site's popular walking and running trails, it is not the first time the grounds have been targeted.
In May, the Tobar Mhuire community said that if anti-social behaviour continued in its grounds, access could be "curtailed".
At the time, damage cited included several old trees being set on fire and young people drinking and playing loud music.
Posting on Facebook at the time, Tobar Mhuire said there had been an "increase in anti-social behaviour in the grounds of Tobar Mhuire, especially on Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings. These disturbances include the use of loud music and under-age drinking sessions.
"The Passionist Community currently provide free access to the trails for the benefit of the local community. It would be a tragedy if access had to be curtailed due to the behaviour of a few people.
"The PSNI have been informed of this outbreak of anti-social behaviour, and if we become aware of the identity of those individuals involved, their names will be passed on to the police in order to ensure the continuing peace, tranquillity and safety of our grounds for the community.
"We are asking for the support of the local community to do the same. Parents and friends - your help would be greatly appreciated to remedy the situation".
