Anti-social behaviour disturbing elderly residents

A CONCERNED resident of Lisanelly Avenue in Omagh has spoken out against anti-social behaviour in the
area, which he says has caused elderly residents sleepless nights.

Desmond Preston told the Ulster Herald groups of ‘boy racers’regularly gather in the car park adjacent to the
residential area, revving engines at early hours of the morning and even instances of drug dealing.

Mr Preston said the council and the police have been aware of the issue for years, but nothing has been done to
combat the behaviour.

“There are five houses in the area and we are tortured with it late at night from 10pm to 2am or 3am in the morning.

“These boy racers come into the car park, revving their engines and it causes us sleepless nights.

“The residents have been waiting for the council to act for many years. The car park has also been used by drug users and for drug dealing.”

The concerned resident said he has asked for a barrier to be erected and closed at night to prevent the activity.

“I have been lobbying the council for many years to properly manage and supervise their car park, but my reasonable request to erect a barrier at the entrance to the car park has fallen on deaf ears.”

The PSNI has said it is aware of the anti-social behaviour in the Lisanelly area and will work with local authorities to find a solution to address the problem.

Inspector Joni Beatty said, “I want to reassure the local community that we take this very seriously.

“We are committed to working towards a solution and welcome any information from the public and local elected representatives to inform what we are doing.

“People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe in their communities.

“Those who choose to engage in anti-social and criminal behaviour must understand that it is unacceptable.

“I want to reassure the community that our officers will be continuing to carry out additional patrols in the area
and I would encourage anyone who witnesses any anti-social or criminal behaviour to report any incidents to us on the non-emergency number 101.”

Omagh town councillor, Barry McElduff, said the behaviour is very concerning and called for the matter to be
addressed at April’s council meeting next week.

“I think that all relevant agencies have a duty towards local residents and others who work in this area,” he said.