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)