Trouble flares at housing estates

Trouble flares at housing estates

18 October 2017

TROUBLE has again flared at the Killough Road in Downpatrick where several wheelie bins were set on fire 

and fireworks thrown at passing vehicles.

News of the latest incident last weekend comes after residents at the Flying Horse and Model Farm estates recently took to the streets in a bid to deter young people from engaging in anti-social behaviour which has blighted the area.

The initiative was part of a two-pronged approach with leaflets posted through the doors of homes in both estates encouraging parents to warn their children of the dangers of getting caught up in trouble in the area which could potentially leave them with a criminal record.

Former Downpatrick councillor Liam Johnston, who lives in the area, confirmed yesterday that residents may once again have to take to the streets to demonstrate to young people involved in the trouble that they are not welcome.

He said those involved in the most recent trouble ranged in age from 12 to 14 and confirmed they do not 

live in the Model Farm or Flying Horse areas.

“People have really had enough and want this trouble to end,” he declared. “Three wheelie bins were pushed into the middle of the Killough Road last Sunday evening and set alight and this intolerable behaviour must stop.

“As soon as it gets dark, trouble erupts and residents cannot understand why young people from other parts of Downpatrick are coming to the Killough Road to engage in anti-social behaviour. Residents are also bewildered why the parents of these children are not keeping tabs on where they are what they are doing.”

Mr Johnston said people are really fed up, suggesting if parents are not prepared to take more responsibility for their children, Social Services staff may have to step in.

“Parents should know where their children are and what they are doing, but that does not appear to be happening with these particular troublemakers,” he continued. “The good people of the Flying Horse and Model Farm want to rid this area of an anti-social behaviour problem which has left many pensioners frightened to venture out of their homes.”

Mr Johnston said it is vital young people recognise the consequences of getting involved trouble and ending up with a criminal record which will be with them for the rest of their lives.

“The message needs to go out to these troublemakers that if they end up in court and are convicted for a crime it will impact on their future employment prospects and even have a bearing on where they can go on holiday. There are many consequences of having a criminal record and young people must recognise this and behave,” he continued.

“Many people across a range of different agencies are working hard to address the anti-social behaviour problems at this part of Downpatrick, but they can only do so much. It is time for parents to step up and know where their children are at all times. If they cannot ensure their kids behave then there may be no other option other than for Social Services staff to step in.”