Castlemurray residents plead with Housing Executive over antisocial behaviour

FRUSTRATED Castlemurray residents plagued by anti-social behaviour are pleading with the Housing Executive to come and meet them to try and find a resolution to the problem.

This week residents in the area spoke to the Chronicle about the issues they are facing. However, they have spoken anonymously due to fears of reprisal.

One resident explained, “I have lived in Castlemurray for many years, and we have had many generations of young people coming through here, none actually from Castlemurray it should be said, but this is the worst I have seen it. Cement and stones thrown at cars and houses, fires being lit up alleys, drinking and verbally abusing anyone who dares to speak out; it all happens here maybe four or five nights a week and it’s worse at weekends. We’ve stopped going out to them as it’ll only cause aggravation.

“The police do come around and patrol the area, but they do no good as the kids scatter down through the alleyways and into the fields, only to re-emerge when police leave.

“On the few times the police have been able to catch up with them, the young people aren’t afraid. They see having their name taken as a badge of honour.”

Another resident pleaded with the Housing Executive to take action. They explained, “The main problem is there are too many getaways for the troublemakers to disappear into, too many open alleyways for them to congregate in, especially around the garages.

“If the Housing Executive would only come up and see the situation for themselves, they would understand.

“All we want are gates or some fencing to cut off the escape routes. Some residents have attempted to erect their own ramshackle fencing, but it doesn’t work. We need something which is structurally better to just give us some peace.”

People Before Profit (PBP) member Carol Gallagher, who has been championing the residents’ cause, cannot understand the Housing Executive’s current position.

“It is the position of the Executive in regard to anti-social behaviour that they are committed to the ‘early intervention and prevention’ of such behaviour as stated on their website. Also stated is a pledge to ‘do more than is legally required.’ After much wrangling over who is responsible for the area, they finally agreed to look into it but in my view, are not doing what is ‘legally required’, Ms Gallagher explained.

“I appreciate the Executive are under pressure, as are a great deal of services, but we are fighting a protracted battle where they haven’t and won’t agree to come and meet residents who have been asking for a meeting on the ground. An office meeting, with the PSNI in attendance, has been offered, but that’s just not good enough,” she explained.

“Parts of Castlemurray do have high fences which have proved to be a preventative measure, but these measures have to be extended. I don’t know why the Executive can’t just come out and do something about it. That’s all we’re asking.

“This is about the NIHE refusing to meet residents on their own terms to address estate issues, not demonising our young people. That said, while PBP acknowledge the sterling work undertaken by youth workers, we still want to see a comprehensive review of youth provision across West Tyrone as a matter of urgency.”

Responding to the criticism a spokesperson for the Housing Executive said, “We are aware some residents in the Castlemurray area are concerned about minor anti-social behaviour. Our staff have spoken to residents door-to -door and very few complaints have been received. We have also liaised with the PSNI and asked residents to note when incidents take place.

“We have provided maps to show which agencies are responsible for the upkeep of areas such as garages and paths, and offered to meet with them to discuss matters, with PSNI in attendance.

“This invitation was declined. Staff are still happy to meet with a spokesperson for the residents and local representatives in our offices should they change their mind,” they added.