Last weekend, youths caused considerable mayhem in the Ballymote area of Downpatrick with anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Gareth Sharvin said: “I have been contacted by a large number of residents in the Flying Horse and Model Farm estate this week, who have aired their concerns at the behaviour of youths in the area over the week and weekend.
“This weekend we saw a sofa and blue bins being set a light, stones and glass being thrown over main roads and drivers targeted for ‘fun’ by a number of youths.
“I have met with local residents, and I am calling on anyone who has information around those involved in this behaviour, to name and shame them.
“I want anyone with information around those causing pain for local residents to get in touch with me or the PSNI to help tackle this behaviour. This anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and no person should have to live in their home and watch youths running riot. The people involved in the anti-social behaviour have attempted to block the Killough road with a burning sofa, drivers have had their cars hit with bricks and driving around the area of the Model Farm area has become an assault course for drivers trying to avoid broken glass.”
Councillor Sharvin continued to express his sympathy to local residents who have been disturbed by the issues and has called on local government agencies such as the PSCP, PSNI and local community organisation such as the Flying Horse Forum to work together and create a plan of action to tackle the anti-social behaviour taking place.
Cllr Sharvin said: “I have contacted the local PSNI Chief Inspector Gillian West to ask that police patrols are increased in the area over the weekend and to work with local groups and residents to resolve the growing concerns.”
“What I would like to say to those involved doing this behaviour, is, to stop.
“You are not funny, you are creating major disturbance to people you might know, creating major safety issues such as throwing stones at moving cars and I would ask that parents who think that their child might be involved in this behaviour, to ask them where they are and what they are doing.”
Police Respond To Unruly Behaviour At Ballymote
Following anti-social behaviour in the Flying Horse and Model Farm estates on Saturday and Sunday 24-25 October, local police are asking the community to work with them to ensure a safe Halloween.
On Sunday evening, a number of youths were involved in setting off fireworks, throwing stones at police and setting a mattress and bin on fire around Colmcille Road.
Chief Inspector Gillian West said: “It is clear to us that the people involved in this activity are young teenagers. No one in the community wants this type of activity which can appear intimidating, particularly to more vulnerable people. Everyone wants to be able to go about their business and live in their own community safely. We are asking community representatives, political representatives and all of those with influence to work with us to ensure that the antisocial behaviour stops here.
“We will be increasing patrols and our visible presence in the area and there will also be a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.
“I would also ask parents to talk to their children and make them aware of the consequences of becoming involved in ASB. A criminal conviction can have lasting consequences on your education, travel and career opportunities. Parents please speak to your kids and make sure you know where they are and who they are with.
“I know that many people will have celebrations planned over the Halloween weekend and we want everyone to be able to enjoy these. Follow the safety tips below and if you need any further advice, don’t be afraid to give us a call on 101.”
The safety advice below can help make Halloween a safe, enjoyable time for everyone.
FIREWORKS AND SPARKLERS
* Fireworks require a licence – except indoor fireworks and sparklers.
* It is illegal to possess, purchase, sell, handle or use fireworks except under licence.
* Only adults should light or handle fireworks.
* Never ever go back to a firework once lit – even if it does not go off.
* When watching fireworks, stand well back.
* It is an offence to throw fireworks in the street or other public places.
* Always supervise children around fireworks.
* Never give sparklers to children under the age of five.
* Light sparklers one at time and always wear gloves.
* Keep a bucket of water close by and put sparklers in it when they go out.
* You can be fined up to £5,000 for breaking the law in relation to fireworks.
BONFIRES Always: * Make sure the bonfire is located away from houses, buildings and overhead cables. * Keep the bonfire to a manageable size – the bigger the fire the bigger the risk.
Never * Sleep in a makeshift hut while the bonfire is being built. This could be fatal if the fire is lit prematurely. * Use petrol or paraffin to light the bonfire. Domestic firelighters are safer. * Use old tyres, tar or scrap rubber on the bonfire. Avoid using foam-filled furniture, aerosols, gas cylinders and paint. Uncontrolled burning of these substances can affect air and water quality and harm the environment.
The law clearly states that fireworks must be bought from a licensed dealer who is required to keep sales records. Fireworks bought from other sources could be of a sub-standard quality, with the potential to cause serious injury.
* Fireworks that do not have instructions printed in English are ILLEGAL. * All bangers are ILLEGAL. * The purchase, possession or use of fireworks without a licence is an OFFENCE.
We would also appeal to the community to help us stamp out illegal trading and misuse of fireworks by contacting local police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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