Northern Ireland Water is to refer evidence of illegal activity at a Stoneyford bonfire site to the appropriate authorities, the utility has said.

For several years, material for a July bonfire has been dumped at a former NI Water reservoir in the village. Gate pillars have been marked with UVF graffiti and a sign directing people to leave bonfire material at the location.

An NI Water spokesperson said the company has documented evidence of the activity and continues to do so. It has engaged with elected representatives, community groups and statutory agencies, but extensive efforts have confirmed that the individuals responsible for the bonfire do not respond to approaches.

The spokesperson added that due to previous experiences at the site, neither NI Water nor other agencies have been able to secure a contractor to remove materials.

A Freedom of Information request revealed that cleaning up bonfire waste at the site last year cost NI Water approximately £2,500.

NI Water stated that building bonfires on the site is illegal, the substances burned are harmful to the environment, and the removal cost is an unnecessary expense on an already stretched budget.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it continues to engage with partners, including the landowner, residents and statutory agencies. It noted that decisions on structures on private land rest with the landowner, and that police engagement focuses on multi-agency discussions, community safety, risk assessment and a proportionate policing response.