Anti-social behaviour could lead to evictions

Anti-social behaviour could lead to evictions

19 October 2016

A NIGHT of violence at two of Downpatrick’s largest housing estates has led to warnings that the parents of the teenagers responsible could lose their homes. 

In the wake of major disturbances last week at the Flying Horse and Model Farm estates when cars were pelted with stones and fireworks, wheelie bins set on fire and youths ran amok, the Housing Executive has said tenants found in breach of their tenancy agreement could have their homes repossessed.

Housing officials told parents they must not allow anyone living in or visiting their homes to cause nuisance or annoyance and that any breach of tenancy obligations could result in their home being taken from them.

The stark warning comes after fire crews called to the Killough Road last Wednesday night to deal with rubbish which had been set on fire decided to withdraw due to the presence of a large number of youths in the area and the fact the fire did not pose a threat to life or property.

An attempt was also made to set fire to traffic lights at the main road which were only recently replaced after being destroyed by vandals in the summer. Transport NI, which spent £5,000 repairing the lights, has made it clear that if there is a similar incident the lights will be removed, while Translink has threatened to withdraw services from both estates due to ongoing trouble.

Last week’s disturbances, which local people fear could get worse in the run up to Halloween, have been roundly condemned and the parents of the young people involved in the trouble have been visited by senior police and Housing Executive officials. Police appealed to parents to know where their children are, while housing officials highlighted the seriousness of the trouble at the estates and the potential consequences for the parents of those involved.

A Housing Executive spokesperson said “very serious incidents” of anti-social behaviour involving young people have taken place, with its staff accompanying police officers on visits to a number of homes.

“We reminded tenants of their tenancy obligations in not allowing those living in or visiting our properties to cause a nuisance or annoyance in the area. A breach of tenancy obligations could result in the Housing Executive being granted possession of a home,” said the spokesperson.

“We are committed to working with communities and other agencies to support the vast majority of residents who wish to live in a peaceful and safe environment.”

PSNI Superintendent Paul Reid said police are well aware of ongoing anti-social behaviour problems at the Downpatrick estates and have been working closely with statutory and community groups to try and address the issue. He also made it clear his officers are “committed to robustly enforcing the law.”

The police chief said officers responded to a number of calls in relation to criminal damage and anti-social behaviour on Wednesday and spoke to a number of people.

“We are aware of the impact on the quality of life that anti-social behaviour can have for local residents and are committed to working together to provide a solution,” he continued. “There were fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour the following evening with police in the area monitoring the situation and talking to members of the community.

“We are committed to working with other agencies, elected representatives and the community in tackling the problem of anti-social issues in the area and take a proactive approach, working hard to reduce the number of incidents.”

The police chief insists problems at the Downpatrick estates cannot be addressed by the PSNI alone and believes much more can be achieved if everyone in the community works together.

Superintendent Reid added: “Those involved in this type of activity may only be a small minority, but they are upsetting their own community by continuing to engage in such behaviour. I am appealing to parents to be aware of where their children are and what they are up to. 

“The behaviour of their child may be making the life of a neighbour or another member of the community almost unbearable. We all bear a responsibility to work together and make this community a safer place in which to live and those who hold positions of responsibility and influence are asked to help. I am willing to meet with anyone who has concerns or suggestions on how best to work together to solve this.”

A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Service confirmed one fire appliance was deployed to the scene of a quantity of rubbish alight in the middle of the Killough Road on October 12.

He added: “Following a risk assessment carried out by firefighters at the scene, due to a large number of youths in the area and with no threat to life or property in the area, the fire was allowed to burn out.”