Beechland residents call for urgent action over ongoing anti-social behaviour

The residents have raised their concerns at meetings with the Housing Executive, police and local politicians, who have all pledged to tackle the issue, however the community feels that more should be done to tackle the ongoing situation.

A spokesperson for the local residents explained: “Our primary concerns relate to ongoing disorderly and antisocial behaviour that has escalated significantly, particularly throughout 2025, which has been the worst year to date.

"Residents no longer feel safe in their own homes. There are serious safeguarding concerns for children and disabled residents, which we do not feel are being taken seriously.

"There are three schools in close proximity to the area, as well as a women’s centre on Beechland Way.

"The behaviour of certain housing tenants, along with the individuals they bring into and attract to the area, raises serious safety concerns for the wider community.

"Children have been unable to play outside during good weather, and residents have been unable to use their own gardens due to street fighting, persistent intimidation, shouting, and sectarian threats in what is a mixed working-class area.

"The impact on residents’ mental and emotional wellbeing has been profound.

"Homeowners are also deeply concerned about the devaluation of their properties.

"Many now feel trapped, unable to sell their homes due to the reputational and safety issues associated with the ongoing behaviour linked to certain tenants.”

The residents have called on the Housing Executive to do more to protect the community.

“The Housing Executive repeatedly describes these tenants as ‘vulnerable’,” the spokesperson continued.

"However, many residents are aware that these individuals are frequently before the courts for criminal activity.

"It is our understanding that this behaviour was known prior to their placement, as they were reportedly intimidated out of their previous areas due to similar conduct, which is now being brought into our community.

"We believe the Housing Executive is failing to adequately enforce tenancy conditions and is in breach of both its own responsibilities and the tenants’ obligations, particularly where the safety and wellbeing of other tenants and residents are concerned.

"Even other Housing Executive tenants in the area are suffering as a result.”

Ciaran Stitt, Area Manager for Lisburn & Castlereagh, said the Northern Ireland Housing Executive was taking the matter very seriously.

“The NIHE are fully aware of a number of incidents that have occurred in recent months within the Beechland estate,” he said.

“Such behaviour within our estates is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

“We are fully committed to investigating all reported incidents of ASB and we will utilise all enforcement actions available to us in order to ensure that our residents feel safe within their own home.

“We continue to work closely with the PSNI in order to gather evidence which will support any enforcement action that we decide to take.

“We fully understand the concerns that the local community have and we want to assure them that we are taking all the necessary actions within our power to address these matters.”

The police in Lisburn have said they aware of and are addressing ongoing concerns regarding anti-social behaviour in the Beechland area. Neighbourhood policing Inspector Danielle Burke said: “Our neighbourhood team will continue to engage with residents regarding the issues they have highlighted to us.

“We are also continuing with our proactive patrols in the Beechland area – and remain committed to ensuring our communities are shared spaces safe for all.

“We would appeal to those involved in this anti-social behaviour to think seriously about the consequences of their actions.

“We are continuing to work closely with our key stakeholders, elected representatives and partner agencies to address these issues.

“However, it's really important that we are made aware of incidents that impact upon the quality of life in your community, to help us to focus our officers where they are needed and take positive action.”

Lisburn Councillor Alderman Paul Porter has attended meetings with concerned residents and has called on the Housing Executive and the police to respond more strongly to incidents of anti-social behaviour.

"As a local councillor for this area, I am fully aware of the ongoing concerns being raised by residents in the Beechland area regarding antisocial behaviour,” said Mr Porter.

"Following these concerns, a public meeting has already taken place involving local residents, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the PSNI and local elected representatives.

“Beechland is a long-established, settled community, and it is unacceptable that residents are experiencing ongoing disruption and distress as a result of antisocial behaviour.

“There needs to be a stronger and more coordinated response from both NIHE and the PSNI to address these issues and prevent them from escalating further.

"Residents deserve to feel safe in their own community, and a small number of individuals should not be allowed to cause disruption and distress to those living in the area.”

Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford has said that agencies must cooperate to deal with the issues raised by residents,

"Antisocial behaviour is having a real and damaging impact on the lives of families living within the Beechland community in Lisburn, and it needs to stop,” he said.

"I’ve met with residents as well as with the police and the Housing Executive, and people are rightly worried about what's been happening in their area.

"This is a settled, quiet area, and there is no excuse for any behaviour that makes families feel unsafe in their own homes.

"I want to thank the PSNI for their increased presence in the community and their efforts to address this issue.

"In order to effectively tackle this behaviour, it's crucial that we see cooperation among agencies with a strong focus on addressing the root causes."