Estate trouble is condemned by politicians

Estate trouble is condemned by politicians

9 September 2015

TROUBLE which flared last week at two of Downpatrick’s biggest housing estates has been branded “totally unacceptable” by community representatives.

Youths ran amok at the Model Farm and Flying Horse estates starting fires, throwing fireworks and stoning passing cars and vehicles belonging to the emergency services. A man’s cat was also stabbed with a screwdriver.

Éamonn Mac Con Midhe, chairman of the Flying Horse Ward Community Forum and councillor Colin McGrath, have condemned those responsible for the trouble and for tarnishing the image of an area which has enjoyed major investment over recent years.

Mr Mac Con Midhe said there has been trouble in this part of the town in the past, explaining a number of programmes put in place over the summer months to keep young people entertained enjoyed success.

“The Forum thought progress was being made but the trouble has returned and this is very disappointing. We have been in contact with a number of agencies including Social Services, the PSNI and Housing Executive and the dialogue with them will continue.

“It is sad that those who engaged in anti-social activity in the past have returned to this kind of behaviour which no one in the Model Farm or Flying Horse estate wants to see.”

Mr Mac Con Midhe added: “We thought progress was being made and that things had quietened down. This was sadly not the case last week.”

Councillor McGrath has called on both the police and the courts to “deal harshly” with those involved in what he described as “severe anti-social and criminal behaviour” at both estates.

He said those who throw fireworks and stones at cars and emergency service vehicles, set fire to people’s property in the middle of the street, start fires close to people’s homes and inflict serious injury on pets, “must feel the full force of the law to ensure they do not carry out such actions again.”

Councillor McGrath declared: “This type of behaviour is unacceptable. I understand it was groups of older young people carrying out these actions and they are no strangers to the area. I would therefore encourage parents to exercise control of their children and know what they are up to.”

The local politician said he has also asked police to determine whether parents should bare some responsibility for what happened.

Councillor McGrath continued: “Many millions of pounds have been pumped into this part of Downpatrick over the past number of years. There is the greatest concentration of public services here compared to any other part of our district.

“In the wake of the recent trouble, concerns have been raised with me about the impact such funding is having. Local people want to live in peaceful and quiet surroundings with the actions of those involved in the recent trouble unfair and unacceptable.”

Councillor McGrath said the police response to the trouble at the Downpatrick estates must be “tough” to ensure those responsible are held to account.

He added: “The courts must do all they can to make sure those involved in this type of behaviour understand that there will be serious and punitive consequences for their actions.”