Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Vandalism at Armagh

Published: 14 October, 2008

Councillor Cathy Rafferty expresses anger at never ending story of vandalism.

The Sinn Féin Councillor said

"Once again I have been contacted by a constituent regarding what appears to be a never ending story of vandalism at a block of flats in the city"

"A newly renovated flat has had it's windows broken and I'm told that radiators have also been pulled off the wall, this wanton destruction is costing the Housing Executive and the community in both money and annoyance. This act of vandalism was carried out on Friday night into Saturday morning and on Sunday night the door to the adjacent block of flats was kicked in with another empty flat been entered"

"I can only imagine what it must be like to be continually living with the spectre of more antisocial behaviour hanging over you every day and with this in mind, I have met with Owen McDonnell of the Housing Executive. He has assured me that he has plans drawn up to make the building more secure. At this point a number of residents have moved but I would appeal to residents to stay until the security measures have been built. The last thing we want is a block of empty flats as there is such a lack of social housing.

" would urge anyone who has any information regarding who is responsible to report them to the proper authorities, it is time the community stood up to these antisocial elements who seem to believe they have the right to make peoples lives' hell."