Bid to end trouble in local estates

Bid to end trouble in local estates

18 November 2015

AN appeal has been issued to young people involved in recent trouble at two Downpatrick housing estates to meet with community representatives.

Trouble flared at the Flying Horse and Model Farm estates over recent weeks and while there have been no major incidents recently, community officials want to meet with teenagers who were engaging in anti-social behaviour.

The Flying Horse Ward Community Forum says it wants to meet the young people in a bid to help provide activities that will keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

Forum official, Jenny Lavery, said the organisation already provides activities for young people in the Flying Horse and Model Farm areas and is willing to do more.

“There are youth services provided at the Ballymote Health and Well Being Centre six nights a week and the Forum has also been organising activities for young people. 

“I would appeal to those who claim there is nothing for them to do to come and talk to the Forum privately. We want to hear what these young people have to say and what their concerns and issues are to see if we can help,” she continued.

“We may be able to help resolve the issues they have, if not, we can work with other agencies. The Forum already works with many young people at this part of Downpatrick and many of those were unhappy about the recent trouble.”

The community representative said while things have settled and there has been no major trouble recently, she believes it’s now opportune to meet with local teenagers in a bid to help address their issues.

“The Forum is a community organisation which works hard for the people in the Flying Horse and Model Farm areas. We are happy to meet with anyone to discuss their concerns in a bid to help promote a positive image of the area and ensure people are happy. We will meet the young people wherever and whenever they want.”

Last week, members of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership were joined by Forum and PSNI officials to discuss what can be done to address the recent trouble.

While launching a neighbourhood watch was suggested, Jenny said this is an issue which the statutory agencies need to drive forward. She also confirmed further meetings between representatives from a number of statutory agencies will take place in the near future.

Jenny added: “The Forum wants what’s best for this part of Downpatrick, its residents and young people. We are committed to doing everything we can, in conjunction with others, to ensure everyone is happy and there is no further trouble.”