Ballymena farmers given gates advice

30/06/2009

Farmers in Ballymena, County Antrim have been advised to make sure all laneways have locakable gates.

These gates should be locked with shackled padlocks and if farmers can get into the routine of securing them after passing through them then their property will be safer, Inspector Pete Bouma from the Ballymena District Policing Partnership told the Ballymena Times.

His comments come after the local newspaper reported that thieves entered a local farm and took parts of a milking parlour.

"Access control to farms is imperative. If thieves can't get easy access into a farmer's property then they will move on to someone else's," the inspector explained.

He added that it is currently a difficult time of the year and so farmers should be especially watchful.

In more positive Ballymena news, the borough council revealed that the Slemish Market Garden at ecos recently won the Growers Gold Medal at the Garden Show Ireland.

Growers from all over the country came to exhibit show gardens, perhaps with some fine gates on display as well.