Taxi drivers may pull out of estates

Taxi drivers may pull out of estates

29 April 2015

TAXI drivers are threatening to withdraw services from two of Downpatrick’s biggest housing estates if stone-throwing attacks in the area do not stop.

Children as young as six years-old are reported to be in involved in continuing anti-social behaviour at the Flying Horse and Model Farm estates, stoning vehicles driving along the Killough Road and smashing windows in a number of homes.

The youths recently targeted police officers attending the scene of a sudden death at the Glebetown Drive area of the Flying Horse estate, an attack which community representatives have described as the “final straw.”

Last week taxi drivers, residents and community representatives joined forces in a public show of support and appealed to the PSNI and the parents of those involved in the stone-throwing to act.

There is also mounting concern that if the anti-social behaviour problem is not addressed, it could put future funding opportunities at this part of Downpatrick at serious risk, impacting on people who want to see the area’s social and economic regeneration continuing.

Taxi drivers Noel Divine, Kevin Laird and Liam Braniff say they and a number of their colleagues are fed up with their vehicles being targeted, warning if the attacks don’t stop, they will consider withdrawing their services from this part of the town.

The drivers say those throwing stones and eggs could be targeting taxis which are transporting their relatives and have described the ongoing trouble as “madness.” They are demanding action and warned that stoning cars could lead to a major accident.

“The police need to do more than they are doing to get on top of this issue,” said Noel. “Stones are being lobbed from the bank at the Model Farm estate and this situation cannot be allowed to continue. “Those targeting taxis have no idea who we have in our vehicles. It could easily be one of their relatives.

“Local people and parents know who these troublemakers are. Taxi drivers are providing a public service to the residents in this area and we should not be subjected to attacks which are damaging vehicles.”

Kevin explained he was recently carrying a a young girl in a wheelchair when his taxi was targeted by the stone throwers which left his passenger frightened.

“All the taxi drivers are very concerned at what’s happening. I now avoid this area to ensure my vehicle is not stoned. That’s how bad things are,” he said.

Kevin added: “Throwing missiles at a car could result in a driver losing control which could have major consequences. All the drivers are concerned passengers are being put at risk. If you look at the damage to our cars, it’s clear they are not throwing small stones.”

Liam said he has no doubt local police have received numerous complaints about the anti-social behaviour at this part of the town and hopes they will be able to get on top of the situation.

Anne Marie-Brannigan, whose car was recently targeted at the Killough Road, said she shares the concerns of the taxi drivers and echoed their calls for those responsible for the trouble to stop.

“These attacks have to end,” she declared. “People who use the Killough Road need to know they can do so in safety. When my car was attacked I had two children in the car and was able to remain in control. Would an elderly driver be alert enough to cope if their vehicle was targeted?”