Residents are hit by more trouble

Residents are hit by more trouble

26 April 2017

BELEAGUERED residents in the Killough Road area of Downpatrick have been subjected to another spate of disturbing anti-social behaviour.

Bins were stolen and set alight during a disturbance last Tuesday evening, with a number of elderly residents among those targeted. Missiles were also thrown at Fire Service appliances.

Three days later police in the area also witnessed a number of youths involved in anti-social behaviour and made two arrests.

Residents have reported an intensifying of anti-social behaviour in the Flying Horse and Model Farm estates that sit astride the Killough Road over the past two years, with stone throwing at passing vehicles and the burning of bins being a common feature. 

One elderly woman, who spoke of her shock at being targeted on Tuesday evening, said some young people were making residents’ lives a misery.

“It makes me feel terrible,” said the pensioner. “But I won’t move. This is my house.”

Some comments on the PSNI Down’s Facebook page following the recent arrests also reflected on the exasperation being felt by residents.

One referred to “two years of being prisoners in our own homes”. Another argued that a “softly softly approach” by police wasn’t working.

“Don’t forget that there are residents in this area that are afraid to cross their own doorsteps at night because of the actions of a few,” he said.

After significant investment in the area, it is a frustration to community representatives, such as the members of the Flying Horse Community Ward Forum.

A representative for the forum said the minority of people from the area who were involved were causing major problems.

“We have youth diversionary programmes starting in the coming weeks and months,” said the representative. “We are trying to get children and young ones involved. The opportunities for young people in the area are more than enough.

“What is it with the Fire Service being targeted? We don’t want this happening, they are trying to help and are needed for real emergencies.

“Pensioners are terrified here and there are people looking to move out.

“We as a forum are looking for more help. We are above the Supervalu and anybody can come and speak to us there. We appeal for people to join us and have their voices heard. We are currently meeting with the agencies to get an update on the situation in the area.”

Police have thanked the local community for their support and are continuing to appeal for the need for parents to know exactly where their children are.

The Fire Service have also appealed for an end to attacks on their crews, warning that damaged vehicles removed from service could damage lives.