West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Drinking Den and Anti-Community activity in Ballycolman must end-Sinn Fein

Published: 25 November, 2008

Cllr Mc Mahon said,

"Complaints have been coming in thick and fast about the activities of the group of individuals who have been using a shed at the back of a house at the Ballycolman Estate as a drinking den.

"About three weeks ago, the previous tenant moved out of this house. Almost immediately the shed at the back of the house began to be used as a drinking den. The age of those using the shed in this way has ranged from grown men to young teenagers.

"Since this drinking den started damage has been caused to not only the property at this address but to adjoining property in the area and it clear that there is a direct link between the two.

"Despite the fact the there is now a new tenant in the house, the same group of individuals returned to shed to drink on Saturday night and further damaged was caused.

"I was call upon those who have been using this shed as a drinking den to now move out and leave local residents in peace.

Cllr Mc Mahon also highlighted a wider problem of anti-community behaviour in the area in recent times.

"In recent months, there has been a marked upsurge in complaints from residents in both the new and old Ballycolman areas about their homes having been targeted by stones, eggs and other assorted missiles as well as having been on the receiving end of verbal abuse from those engaged in this serious anti-community activity.

"Everyone has a right to live free from such activity and the fear and dread that comes with it and local residents, many of whom are elderly and most of whom have lived in the Ballycolman all of their lives, are at their wits end. The small number of young people who are central to this anti-community activity appear to be oblivious to the hardship they are causing.

"Everyone in the local community must stand together and send out a loud and clear message to those involved that their behaviour is totally un-acceptable." ENDs