Concerns have been raised after weed killer was used to kill plants at a section of a Belfast greenway.
Over the past few weeks, someone has chopped down a number of trees and put weed killer down along a part of the Comber Greenway, close to Sandown Road, that was formerly known as the Neill's Hill train halt.
Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn said he has been contacted by numerous residents saying that they were shocked to see that weed killer had been used in the area, which contains a lot of wildlife and is a popular place for dog walkers.
The removal of the trees has also worried residents, who felt that it had affected the security of their homes.
He said: "Over the past few months someone has carelessly chopped down a dozen trees and more recently used chemical weed killer along a stretch of the Comber Greenway at the Sandown crossing.
"I have had a number of residents contact me who are very worried about the dangers that this will cause to local wildlife and pets. Lots of people use the greenway to take their dogs for a walk and to have weed killer thrown about in an area like this is dangerous.
"There was only an A4 piece of paper put up to warn people about the weed killer and there has been reports of it being used in other parts of the greenway as well, without permission from DfI.
"The chopping down of the trees in the area has also caused upset, as local residents are worried about the security of their homes as well as the impact on local biodiversity along the greenway and did not want to see them removed.
"No permission was given for these trees to be cut down and I have been in contact with the Department for Infrastructure as well as the PSNI to request an investigation into what has happened."
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: "The Department for Infrastructure is aware of the unauthorised works on the Comber Greenway. Permission for work at this location has not been sought or given and the Department is trying to identify those responsible."
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
