Appeal over anti-social behaviour

THE chairman of Derry City Council’s Development Committee, Brenda Stevenson, has appeal to the community to work with community groups and statutory agencies in the city to help quell a recent increase in anti-social behaviour across the city’s Council leisure facilities.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Feb 2013, 09:55 BST

CIt follows on from an increase in complaints received regarding anti-social behaviour, in particular underage drinking.

Councillor Stevenson said: “The recent spell of dry weather coupled with midterm break, has contributed to the increased level of reports of underage drinking in some of our City’s parks and leisure facilities. The playing pitches at Daisyfield have recently succumbed to the antisocial behaviour resulting in its playing fields undergoing inspection for broken glass. This is unacceptable and is having a negative impact on our communities and in particular regular users of the facilities.

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“Year on year, the onset of good weather, longer evenings and school holidays invariably lead to an increase in this sort of behaviour therefore I would make an appeal to parents/ guardians to be vigilant and ensure they know where their children are and who they may be socialising with.

“Clear signage exists to highlight that the consumption of alcohol in any public place is prohibited by law. Council work closely with the relevant statutory agencies to ensure that this legislation is enforced and welcome any information from members of the public which would help prevent from taking place.

“Much has been done over the past number of years to address the problems of underage drinking and associated problems across some areas in the city. The Civic Alcohol Forum continues to liaise with many statutory, community and business organisations to help combat this worrying issue. We would like to see this message reinforced so that the community as a whole can enjoy our facilities without fear of encountering antisocial activity.”