‘Something needs done’ - residents call for action on plague of antisocial behaviour

Concerns and frustration have been expressed by local residents in the Leighinmohr Avenue area of Ballymena over ongoing antisocial behaviour involving a small group of young people.

The problem plaguing the local community in the leafy suburb centers around a pathway that extends from the bottom of Leighinmohr Avenue to Railway Street. Residents say the area has been identified as having a history of antisocial behaviour problems with vandalism and windows being broken.

However, families are now calling for action from police and councillors after a vacant property was broken into in the last few days and drug paraphernalia discovered with three needles left sticking into a tree, with fears that local children could easily come across the items.

On Thursday night, a vacant property was broken into, and it is understood cardboard and paper had been lit in the roof space of the house. Although no substantial damage was caused, the consequence of this could have easily been much worse.

Residents have reached out to local TUV Councillor Matthew Armstrong in a hope of finding an answer to the problem. Mr Armstrong told Love Ballymena:

"I was extremely disappointed to learn of the discovery of used needles in the area of the 'stick bridge'. This is an area that is often explored by children and used by dog walkers and it is downright reckless for needles to be discarded in this manner.

"After contact with both PSNI and council I am glad to say they have been safely removed and police have promised to increase patrols of the area after other reports of antisocial behaviour in the general vacinity.

"Residents will be rightly outraged at this development and I urge them, especially children, to be vigilant whilst in the area."

Police stated they are aware of recent reports of antisocial behaviour in the area and said they received a report on Friday, 30th September between 12am and 3am, that a number of suspected youths had entered a vacant property in the Leighinmohr Park area. No damage was caused and enquiries are ongoing.

Police also received a report shortly before 9.30pm on Friday, 30th September of drug paraphernalia discovered within the Leighinmohr Avenue area.

Sergeant Cullen commented:

“Police are committed to tackling issues of anti-social behaviour. Young people who choose to engage in anti-social behaviour must understand it is unacceptable and stop. People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe in their communities.

“I would encourage everyone to report incidents of anti-social behaviour. These reports create opportunities for intervention and prevention by police and other partners.

“You can also ring us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or speak directly to your Neighbourhood Team and quote reference number RM22060769.”