Anti-social behaviour a blight

The focus of their discontent is a mini-roundabout in the area, which has become a meeting point for young people who are indulging in drinking, and rowdy and destructive behaviour, which has, on occasions, spilled over into attacks on property and abusive behaviour, said DUP MLA, William Hay.

Although in the past members of the DUP have met police and Roads Service officials to discuss the issue, this week Mr Hay appealed to the PSNI and Roads Service to take action after residents in Rossdale threatened to move out. However, a Roads Service spokesperson said the matter was an issue for the police.

Outlining the crux of the problem, Mr Hay said: “This area is well lit and the roundabout is just the right size to sit on and, particularly at weekends, young people have taken to gathering there, indulging in anti-social behaviour, breaking bottles and glasses, and leaving residents to clean up the mess they leave behind.

“This has got to a point in the Rossdale area where residents are afraid to go out and talk to these young people, many of whom are not from the area, because their property has been targeted and windows broken. One resident told me that if it cannot be dealt with they will have to move.

“My party has contacted Roads Service and met with them, and it is my belief that these roundabouts need to be removed, as it is the only way of permanently curbing the problem. We are also going to speak to senior police officers about this issue,” he said.

A DRD Roads Service spokesperson said: “Roads Service has met with local representatives about this issue, however the roundabout is part of a series of traffic calming measures delivered as part of the Rossmore/Rossdale developments to enhance safety for both the travelling public and pedestrians alike. Anti-social behaviour is a matter for the PSNI.”

Meanwhile, a PSNI spokesperson said the Waterside Urban Neighbourhood Police Team had already been in contact with community representatives in relation to this issue.

“A meeting with residents is planned for later this month and a number of other steps are being taken to address these concerns,” they said.