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[Spud]

I thought the Forest Service fell under DARD rather than DRD?  Or are they the same thing?  I e-mailed my complaint to the following addresses:

customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
dardhelpline@dardni.gov.uk

I've also copied the contents of my blog post to BBC Newsline, UTV Live and the Mourne Observer to see if any of them are willing to pick up on the story.  It's a long shot, but might go someway towards the local authorities taking some notice of this issue.

fair play jon, the squeaky wheel gets the grease as the saying goes! You and vmcc should kick up as much of a stink as possible to highlight what is going on, you certainly have my full support, did you try our local paper the down recorder? See you have the observer done already, could be somethin for the local councillors to get involved in seein as we are comin up to an election?

[big chris]

I agree with Redspud get onto your local politicans if your from the Down area, with an upcoming election give them hell and make them work for the area, it might also be useful to get onto the Tourist information office, remember its not only local campers use these forests, people come from far and wide to see the Mournes and surrounding areas and pump a lot of cash into the area, first place of call is usually the tourist office.

[surfnscenic]

Folks, it is with sadness and disgust that I read of the horrendous experiences whilst some of you have been camping out.  I have experienced this sort of behaviour whilst caravanning and camping at Tollymore over the years.  Irrespective of being in a tent of whatever size or a caravan it's the people inside who can make or break a week-end.  Unfortunately I had a similar experience at Meelmore Lodge a year or so ago.

I agree with all that's been said so far and will lend my support to any further action that may be taken to highlight this unwanted behaviour.  You also include the District Police Commander of people to receive a copy of your complaint.

On a happier note I caravanned at Castle Ward last week-end.  There's room for tents.  Quietest week-end I have ever had in 20+ years of caravanning and camping.  The gates are locked, warden on site and he take's no s h one t.

Perhaps it's a location that others could consider. Plenty of forest trails, stately home to view if you wish and a 15 minute dander into Strangford village.

[Spark]

Folks, it is with sadness and disgust that I read of the horrendous experiences whilst some of you have been camping out.  I have experienced this sort of behaviour whilst caravanning and camping at Tollymore over the years.  Irrespective of being in a tent of whatever size or a caravan it's the people inside who can make or break a week-end.  Unfortunately I had a similar experience at Meelmore Lodge a year or so ago.

I agree with all that's been said so far and will lend my support to any further action that may be taken to highlight this unwanted behaviour.  You also include the District Police Commander of people to receive a copy of your complaint.

On a happier note I caravanned at Castle Ward last week-end.  There's room for tents.  Quietest week-end I have ever had in 20+ years of caravanning and camping.  The gates are locked, warden on site and he take's no s h one t.

Perhaps it's a location that others could consider. Plenty of forest trails, stately home to view if you wish and a 15 minute dander into Strangford village.

Will be a must what the new cycle trails open...!!

[VMCC]

Sounds great, and Castle Ward has been on the must do list for some time.

Also thinking of joining the Caravan and Camping Club. They only have one site at Delamont but they also have meets all over. My thinking is that if I make friends amongst a regular set of people then there's safety in numbers. Their meets at the National Trust properties also appeal to me, places such as the Argory or Mountstewart. It's about £40 a year but then I'd make the money back by having cheap nightly rates, sometimes as low as a fiver apparently.

[surfnscenic]

Another site to consider is The Rock.  It's in the Mourne area when you drive through Bryansford village past the back/exit gate of Tollymore, on past the Mountain Training Centre, drive past Trassey Road then take next lmain road into Slievenaman Road.  GR 316 321.  It is small and steep though terraced for both caravans and tents.  I've only called in and had a look about.  Gate always in closed position anytime I've driven past.  Owners live adjacent.  There's not a lot there so probably not attractive to the wha wha's.

The link doesn't say much but perhaps worth a recce some day.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/t/The-Rock-Certificated-Site-Co-Down-9276.htm

[spartan00117]

The Rock sounds like a good place to base camp for exploring the Mournes.  Will definitly check it out when I'm back up that way.

[suspectmonkey]

I e-mailed my complaint to the following addresses:

customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
dardhelpline@dardni.gov.uk

I've also copied the contents of my blog post to BBC Newsline, UTV Live and the Mourne Observer to see if any of them are willing to pick up on the story.  It's a long shot, but might go someway towards the local authorities taking some notice of this issue.

Hi folks, just to let you know that following sending the blog post to the local media, U105 have asked me to have a chat with them on the Frank Mitchell Show tomorrow.  Haven't all that many details, other than I can expect a call around 9.15am tomorrow morning and I assume it will be broadcast live.  Not really sure what the format will be, but it would be great if other people could show their support by contacting the show and sharing their experiences.  Thanks!

[surfnscenic]

Suspectmonkey, don't forget to smile 

On a serious note I am trying to log onto the U105 website to send a short email in supporting the disgust at the antics at Castlewellen last week and indeed other similar experiences.  I'd love to listen in but I'm a driving instructor and have a lesson at that time so cannot have the wireless on.

Maybe catch it on i-player later.

Best of luck.

Surfnscenic

[suspectmonkey]

Thanks Surf, I think the show is usually put up on the internet afterwards so will post a link if I find one.

Suspectmonkey, don't forget to smile 

It's funny, when I mentioned it to someone in work they said "it's as well you're only on the radio"... must be trying to tell me I have a face for the radio

[RedLeader]

Nice one. Give them hell!

I e-mailed my complaint to the following addresses:

customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
dardhelpline@dardni.gov.uk

I've also copied the contents of my blog post to BBC Newsline, UTV Live and the Mourne Observer to see if any of them are willing to pick up on the story.  It's a long shot, but might go someway towards the local authorities taking some notice of this issue.

Hi folks, just to let you know that following sending the blog post to the local media, U105 have asked me to have a chat with them on the Frank Mitchell Show tomorrow.  Haven't all that many details, other than I can expect a call around 9.15am tomorrow morning and I assume it will be broadcast live.  Not really sure what the format will be, but it would be great if other people could show their support by contacting the show and sharing their experiences.  Thanks!

[LandyLiam]

around 9.15am

you mean i have to get up early on my day off   

[VMCC]

I e-mailed my complaint to the following addresses:

customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
dardhelpline@dardni.gov.uk

I've also copied the contents of my blog post to BBC Newsline, UTV Live and the Mourne Observer to see if any of them are willing to pick up on the story.  It's a long shot, but might go someway towards the local authorities taking some notice of this issue.

Hi folks, just to let you know that following sending the blog post to the local media, U105 have asked me to have a chat with them on the Frank Mitchell Show tomorrow.  Haven't all that many details, other than I can expect a call around 9.15am tomorrow morning and I assume it will be broadcast live.  Not really sure what the format will be, but it would be great if other people could show their support by contacting the show and sharing their experiences.  Thanks!

that's great Suspect - I'll be listening.

One of my caravanning and camping members got a knock on the door from a local politician canvassing. She must come from the Down area, but she let the guy read some of my posts about events this weekend and the was disgusted. So it might be seen on someones political agenda soon. I didn't ask who it was, or what party, it wouldn't be appropriate.

The email I sent to Dard I accidentally sent to DRD, which is a different department. I got an email back from DRD today saying that they'd forwarded my email on the to correct recipient, and also suggesting I forward the email to the Northen Irish Tourist Board. Good idea, I thought...so that is done now, what difference it'll make I don't know.

[big chris]

U105 now open on the puter awaiting the Frank & Jon show, good luck will be listening 

[Spud]

you spoke very well john, fair play, hopefully this will be the start of some action regarding this! I meant to ask before, did you contact Nolan?

[Rugged Track]

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