Call to close gate at Ballymacash

After the homes were sold off the gate, which was put up for security reasons, was opened. But residents in Ballymacash Park claim it has led to an increase in anti social behaviour as the gate has become a drop off point where gangs meet.

A petition signed by 80 people was due to be handed to a representative of Lisburn PSNI on Thursday at a meeting in the community centre.

One resident said they would like to find out who owns the gate and what measures can be taken to have it closed again.

He claimed there have been up to 18 serious incidents in the past five months and that four families have been intimidated from their homes.

He said that his own car has been attacked twice in the past month.

“There seems to be an anti social element who are determined to wreak havoc and cause damage and then use this gate to get away,” he said.

“Some residents are afraid to go to their bed at night for fear of break ins.

“People feel that if the gate was closed again - it had been closed for 30 years - it would help the situation.”

Alderman Paul Givan said that he would be attending a meeting on Thursday where residents would have the chance to air their views.