Menu
23/10/2019
Alliance: Holylands Residents 'Terrorised'
An Alliance MLA said residents of south Belfast are being terrorised by anti-social behaviour after a number of cars were burnt out overnight.
Paula Bradshaw referenced a number of reported incidents in the Holylands area while calling for an increased police presence.
It's believed that at least three vehicles were set alight in the Collingwood Avenue and Curzon Street areas on Tuesday night, 22 October.
The area is largely populated by university students and saw an upped police presence when the new term resumed last month, however Ms Bradshaw said staffing levels have since returned to normal.
"We have seen a continuation of negative behaviour terrorising local residents," the south Belfast MLA said.
"This anti-social behaviour has now escalated, leading to many waking up today to find their treasured possession has been recklessly destroyed. We are also seeing mass brawls in the middle of the Ormeau Road, with drunk young people staggering about putting themselves and motorists in danger.
"A teenager was also recently robbed at knifepoint. Add to this the great disruption to family life for so many right through the night, as revellers return to their homes from the local bars, including causing damage to cars, fences and gates along the way.
"The level of anti-social behaviour has far exceeded young people having a bit of fun and is now firmly in the realms of criminality. It is the PSNI which has primary responsibility for dealing with this and I have written to the local area commander, asking for an increased police presence."
Belfast City Council is set to hold a multi-agency meeting on the issue later this week, however Ms Bradshaw said more must be done.
"I will be attending, but I have grown sick and tired of these talking shops," she said. "The local residents have suffered far too much and it looks like the incidents are getting more and more sinister and destructive. We need to do more than talk but rather have actions to help the residents."
(JG/CM)
Paula Bradshaw referenced a number of reported incidents in the Holylands area while calling for an increased police presence.
It's believed that at least three vehicles were set alight in the Collingwood Avenue and Curzon Street areas on Tuesday night, 22 October.
The area is largely populated by university students and saw an upped police presence when the new term resumed last month, however Ms Bradshaw said staffing levels have since returned to normal.
"We have seen a continuation of negative behaviour terrorising local residents," the south Belfast MLA said.
"This anti-social behaviour has now escalated, leading to many waking up today to find their treasured possession has been recklessly destroyed. We are also seeing mass brawls in the middle of the Ormeau Road, with drunk young people staggering about putting themselves and motorists in danger.
"A teenager was also recently robbed at knifepoint. Add to this the great disruption to family life for so many right through the night, as revellers return to their homes from the local bars, including causing damage to cars, fences and gates along the way.
"The level of anti-social behaviour has far exceeded young people having a bit of fun and is now firmly in the realms of criminality. It is the PSNI which has primary responsibility for dealing with this and I have written to the local area commander, asking for an increased police presence."
Belfast City Council is set to hold a multi-agency meeting on the issue later this week, however Ms Bradshaw said more must be done.
"I will be attending, but I have grown sick and tired of these talking shops," she said. "The local residents have suffered far too much and it looks like the incidents are getting more and more sinister and destructive. We need to do more than talk but rather have actions to help the residents."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 July 2015
Two Arrested After Gun Fired In Play Park
Two people have been arrested after a gun was fired at a play park in north Belfast. The incident happened in the Beverley Street area, off the Shankill Road, on Thursday. A man, who was brandishing a shotgun, fired a shot into the air and left the park with a woman. Local residents stopped the pair in Beverley Street.
Two Arrested After Gun Fired In Play Park
Two people have been arrested after a gun was fired at a play park in north Belfast. The incident happened in the Beverley Street area, off the Shankill Road, on Thursday. A man, who was brandishing a shotgun, fired a shot into the air and left the park with a woman. Local residents stopped the pair in Beverley Street.
05 July 2013
Orange Order Agrees To Nationalist Talks
The Orange Order has agreed to engage in talks with a nationalist residents group in north Belfast, following an appeal by a unionist residents group. The Twaddell and Woodvale Residents Association asked local Orange lodges to speak to the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association to find a way to help the 12th of July parades pass off peacefully.
Orange Order Agrees To Nationalist Talks
The Orange Order has agreed to engage in talks with a nationalist residents group in north Belfast, following an appeal by a unionist residents group. The Twaddell and Woodvale Residents Association asked local Orange lodges to speak to the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association to find a way to help the 12th of July parades pass off peacefully.
22 April 2022
PSNI Thank North Coast Residents, Businesses And Visitors
The PSNI have thanked North Coast residents, businesses and visitors for their support during policing operations over the Easter Weekend.
PSNI Thank North Coast Residents, Businesses And Visitors
The PSNI have thanked North Coast residents, businesses and visitors for their support during policing operations over the Easter Weekend.
07 June 2007
Houses evacuated after gas leak
A number of homes have been evacuated in County Down, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has revealed. It is understood residents living in the South Avenue area of Bangor were forced to leave their homes after a suspected gas leak was reported. The Avenue is currently closed until further notice. There are no further details at present.
Houses evacuated after gas leak
A number of homes have been evacuated in County Down, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has revealed. It is understood residents living in the South Avenue area of Bangor were forced to leave their homes after a suspected gas leak was reported. The Avenue is currently closed until further notice. There are no further details at present.
26 August 2009
Glengormley Trouble Slammed
Councillors in a suburban area of Co Antrim have joined forces to call for an end to sectarian incidents.
Glengormley Trouble Slammed
Councillors in a suburban area of Co Antrim have joined forces to call for an end to sectarian incidents.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
