Frew: Community fears must not be dismissed as racism

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew has issued a stark warning and urgent call to action following what he described as a “horrific week” for Ballymena and its residents, marked by violent incidents that have unsettled the local community.

In a detailed statement reflecting on the recent unrest and the broader societal challenges underpinning it, Mr Frew called for sustained government focus and a targeted multi-agency response to tackle the complex issues affecting the town.

“This week, commentators and journalists have been talking about Ballymena and the violence it has suffered. When the violence stops – and it needs to stop now – many will move on… But this is precisely when we need a sustained focus,” said Mr Frew.

A community in fear

The DUP MLA described the fear now prevalent in Ballymena, noting that many local residents feel unsafe in their own homes, on the streets, and even while socialising.

“We have people from all walks of life and nationalities living in fear in their own homes… How galling it must be when their lived experiences and concerns are dismissed, or, even worse, when they are called racist or bigoted simply for raising them - as if the problem lies with them for speaking up, for being ‘unreasonable’ or ‘uneducated’”.

Mr Frew stressed that when legitimate concerns are ignored, more dangerous and divisive elements are likely to fill the vacuum.

“If these concerns aren’t addressed by the appropriate agencies, then more sinister elements will exploit them.”

Demographic disparities in focus

He also presented data from the Clonavon area of Ballymena to highlight significant demographic differences and the impact of immigration in concentrated areas:

• 57% of residents in Clonavon were born outside the UK (compared to 3% in Frew’s own area)

• 52% arrived between 2011 and 2021

• 56% do not speak English as their first language

• 57% live in private rental accommodation

• 54% have no access to a car or van

• 18% of households contain five or more individuals

“These figures show me that some areas need different government interventions. That, I believe, is what has been missing,” Frew explained, reiterating his long-standing calls for a focused, multi-agency approach.

Concerns over housing and organised crime

Mr Frew also raised issues related to the monitoring and regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), pointing to enforcement failures that have exacerbated risks in some communities. He was critical of the role played by accommodation providers such as Mears Group, arguing they have had a “disproportionate impact on accommodation and rental values.”

Additionally, he referenced reports of “serious organised crime and the exploitation of vulnerable people,” further underscoring the urgent need for government coordination.

Rejecting Simplistic Narratives

In his remarks, Frew criticised what he sees as a reductive national discourse that conflates legitimate concerns about immigration with racism.

“These discussions and potential solutions have been drowned out… by the simplistic view that if you complain about uncontrolled or illegal immigration, you must be racist.

“You shouldn’t dismiss someone’s concerns and lived experience simply because their complaint involves someone who was born in a different country.

“Equally, a person should not be targeted or abused because of their country of birth.”

A call for equal justice

Mr Frew concluded with a strong emphasis on equal application of the law and social cohesion:

“Nobody should be subjected to criminal behaviour, feel threatened or abused. We should all be subject to the same laws – and those laws should be enforced equally. If they aren’t enforced equally, it’s not justice, and it’s not good for society.”

The North Antrim MLA’s comments come amid renewed scrutiny of social integration, housing, and policing policies in Northern Ireland. As Ballymena reels from the week’s events, Frew’s call for a new strategic direction will likely add urgency to discussions at Stormont and beyond.