Pub revellers causing problems for residents

Pub revellers causing problems for residents

13 May 2015

RESIDENTS in Ballynahinch have expressed concern about noise created by revellers leaving licensed premises in Dromore Street.

They have revealed it is not uncommon for fights to break out and confirmed they have made complaints to police, local politicians and Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

A number of residents who contacted the Recorder say they hope the issue can be addressed, saying some people who live in Dromore Street leave the area to stay with relatives on a Saturday night to avoid being disturbed.

One concerned resident described a fight which developed outside the Dromore Street fire station two weeks ago as a ”mini riot” and claimed the disturbances created at this part of the town are a “regular occurrence.”

The resident continued: “We are concerned about the noise and hope the issue can be dressed. Dromore Street is normally a very quiet area, but not at weekends. This problem has been going on for a few months and we are really fed up with the whole thing.

“People are creating a lot of noise which is disturbing residents and the fight which broke out recently left me feeling very frightened indeed. We should not have to live like this ands hope police and local authority can do more.”

The resident said revellers who leave licensed premises congregate outside the fire station and neighbouring homes in Dromore Street and “can wake the entire street with their noisy behaviour.”

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker, who works for Strangford MP Jim Shannon at his constituency office in the market town, said he has been “inundated” with complaints from concerned residents about the weekend noise.

“People are concerned and this is an issue which requires an immediate response from the police and Newry, Mourne and Down Council. People are clearly feeling boisterous late at night and during the early hours but there is a need to show some respect for the people who live at this part of Ballynahinch,” he continued.

“While there are a number of businesses in Dromore Street, there are also a number of homes and the people who live there deserve to be shown respect, particularly late at night and during the early hours.”

Councillor Walker said while police officers cannot be everywhere, he suggested officers patrolling Dromore Street at weekends could encourage revellers to make their way home when they leave the nightclub.

He added: “There clearly is a problem which needs to be tackled. I am not saying people are not allowed to go out an enjoy themselves. We don’t live in a nanny state, but I would appeal to those who enjoy going to licensed premises to keep the noise down and conduct themselves on their way home.”