Community leaders urge police to act to quell estate trouble

Community leaders urge police to act to quell estate trouble

11 November 2015

TROUBLE which has flared at the Flying Horse and Model Farm estates in Downpatrick over recent weeks will top the agenda at a special meeting in the town later today.

Members of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership will be joined by officials form the Flying Horse Ward Community Forum to discuss what can be done to address the problem.

Last weekend, police officers used video and photographic equipment at the housing estates in a bid to identify troublemakers engaged in anti-social behaviour.

There have been serious disturbances at the Flying Horse and Model Farm estates over recent weeks with many residents afraid to venture out at night. Cars and homes have been stoned and fireworks have been let off indiscriminately.

Ahead of today’s meeting, which is being held at the local council’s Downshire Civic Centre headquarters, an appeal has been issued for those involved in the trouble to be apprehended.

Forum chairman, Mr Éamonn Mac Con Midhe, said there was some minor trouble last weekend with old furniture set alight in the area. He said residents have had enough and want the trouble stopped now.

“Police were in the area last weekend with recording equipment and there are some people asking why this course of action was not adopted before now, given this trouble has been ongoing for many weeks,” he said.

Mr Mac Con Midhe said the Forum understands there are a number of ringleaders orchestrating the trouble, suggesting it is important they are apprehended by police.

“A strong message needs to go out that this trouble is unacceptable. The sooner the troublemakers are arrested the sooner those involved will realise that their actions will no longer be tolerated. I believe the PSNI needs to start getting serious about this issue,” he continued.

Police say they are determined to crackdown on the troublemakers who have been running riot and while they do not like to use such equipment to gather evidence, it has proved effective in the past.

PSNI District Commander, Superintendent Simon Walls, said while it was “relatively quiet” at both estates last weekend, footage obtained from the evidence gathering initiative is now being reviewed. 

“We publicised the use of this equipment on our social media sites to ensure the public were kept informed and to ask for their support,” he continued.

The police chief also confirmed that representatives from statutory and non-statutory organisations have been invited to attend today’s meeting of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership

“in an effort to identify longer term solutions for the issues within Flying Horse estate. “

Superintendent Walls added: “I am continuing to ask people of influence within the community to support and work with us so that we can resolve these issues.”