Meeting to discuss growth of street begging in Omagh

THE growing number of street beggars in Omagh will be discussed at a special meeting tomorrow morning (Thursday).

Local councillor, Barry McElduff, said he is keen to “shed some light on this problem” and has invited a number of statutory agencies and other relevant organisations – including the police, Housing Executive and council – to the discussion.

In the past month, Omagh has seen a burgeoning number of people begging, as well as more people who appear to be homeless or sleeping rough.

Cllr McElduff has said that local people are “disturbed” by this development.

“The community has been very supportive, offering food, clothing and blankets as well as accommodation in some cases,” he added.

“A fruitful meeting should explain some of the immediate and long-term causes for these people having ended up in Omagh at this time, and should also shed some light on the nature and scale of the problem.”

Invited to the meeting are representatives from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Community Services, Omagh town councillors, the PSNI, Western Trust, the Housing Executive, Omagh Ethnic Communities’ Support Group and Saint Vincent de Paul, among others.

Cllr McElduff concluded, “We need to secure intervention and support from the relevant statutory agencies which have a duty of care for those whom we identify as being in need.”

By Emmet McElhatton

e.mcelhatton@ulsterherald.com