Derry City and Strabane District Council has not ruled out sealing off the car park at Templemore Sports Complex to prevent it being used by so-called “joyriders.”
In the latest incident at the Buncrana Road facility, a Renault car was abandoned and set on fire close to an elderly woman’s home shortly after 11.15pm last night.
The vehicle was torched only feet from the woman’s home and yards from a household oil tank.
Sinn Fein Councillor Sandra Duffy said it was fortunate the blaze did not spread to the adjacent homes.
“Back in August there was a similar incident with a car being set on fire on the Beragh Hill Road and it was only the quick actions of the Fire Service which prevented the fire spread from the bushes to homes in Elmgrove.
“It’s very worrying that residents in Donal Casey Court should have to put up with this.
“Just last year there was a very serious fire there when a nearby hedge fire spread to a residents garden causing the oil tank to explode.”
She concluded: “I would appeal to anyone who has information on those responsible for this latest despicable incident to give it to the police.”
The Council, which owns the car park, did not rule out it being sealed off at night.
A spokesperson said: “ Derry City and Strabane District Council the incident is a police matter and is currently being investigated by the PSNI.
“We will take on board concerns expressed by local residents moving forward.”
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