Proposals Target Holyland's Problems

New ideas have been debated on how to halt rowdy activity involving students living in a south Belfast residential area.

Anti-social problems have plagued the Holylands area off the Ormeau Road with both University of Ulster and Queen's University students at loggerheads with long-term residents.

A meeting about the trouble took place this week and resulted in more than 60 key stakeholders agreeing a new 'Action Plan' to improve overall quality of life in the area.

Since rioting broke out last Saint Patrick's Day, politicians and concerned local people have been seeking a way to tackle the issues.

The last traditional 'Paddy's Day' holiday turned into a disaster for residents when a pitched battle between police and mostly drunk students resulted in more than 12 people being arrested in the disturbances - which also saw at least one car damaged - and local tensions heightened.

At the time, Sir Reg Empey, the Minister for Employment and Learning, said he was horrified by the students' behaviour, which showed "utter contempt for the community".

This week's new proposals were put forward as a way to solve the problems, including a revised Warden Scheme, tighter laws on drinking and wider use of mobile CCTV to identify culprits.

The meeting was hosted by Sir Reg and followed a previous meeting in May.

Mr Empey said this week: "The event was intended to assess the progress made following the last forum and outline what further short, medium and long term measures need to be addressed."

He added: "I am grateful to the Belfast City Council's Holyland Inter-Agency Group for agreeing to take on an oversight role in monitoring progress on these issues."

The event, which took place at Malone House, also involved speakers from the Police Service NI, the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade, the NI Housing Executive, the National Union of Students, Union of Students in Ireland and Belfast City Council.

See: Saint's Day Success, Despite Students' 'Riot'

(CL/BMcC)