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

Anti-social behaviour in the Meadow

Published: 24 March, 2009

Newry Sinn Féin Councillor Marian Mathers has said that the terror inflicted on residents near the swimming pool in the Meado on Saturday night by anti-social elements was a 'disgrace and must be tackled as a matter of priority".

Cllr Mathers said,

"I am aware that a large group of young people gathered behind the swimming at midnight on Saturday night. They stayed there drinking until 9.30 on Sunday morning."

"Residents have told me that their behaviour was similar to that of students in Belfast last week."

Cllr Mathers said that the Sinn Féin office in Newry had received numerous calls from elderly residents who were disappointed by the PSNI response to the incident.

"The PSNI took almost half an hour to respond to their calls."

"By this time the group had destroyed a fence and then set it alight. They then abused the fire service when they arrived."

"This behaviour is an absolute disgrace and must be tackled as a matter of priority."

The Sinn Féin Councillor concluded by calling on parents to ensure that they know where their children are at all times