Fire mayhem Friday

"It is quiet for a while, and then you get a rush of vandalism."

The view of one Avondal resident this weekend following a rash of vandal-wrought fires in the early hours of Friday morning.





The main conflagration was in one of the portacabins on the green in the estate, which have been the subject of concern for some time since they are being used as drinking dens, according to recent reports.



Two units of Newbridge Fire Brigade fought the blaze from 5am, bringing it under control only after one section was completely gutted. The Diary understands that the portacabins were placed there some time ago when it was mooted to put a soccer pitch on the green, but it is unclear as to who the owners are.

Earlier, cut crass had been set on fire near the soccer pitch on the sports complex adjoining Avondale, and a rubbish bin put out by one of the elderly residents in the area of the estate set aside for old folks was also set alight.

Brian Byrne.