Man asks to be moved following ‘intimidation’

The 42-year-old man said he has been the victim of three incidents in the past week which have left him too scared to stay in his Iveagh Close home at night.

Last week two front windows were broken in the man’s home, and two evening’s before the man claims his car was scraped.

Police said they are investigating the incident as a hit-and-run. Last week it was also reported that damage had been done to his front door when he was out one night.

Speaking to the Leader the man said he is at his wit’s end.

“I can’t take anymore of this,” he said. “I feel isolated in my own home and afraid to stay there by myself at night.”

The Housing Executive tenant was moved from his home at Chestnut Place in April this year following a similar series of incidents.

A spokeswoman for the Housing Executive said their policy dictates that a person cannot be moved within a two-year period unless there are exceptional circumstances.

“In light of the latest incidents we have requested a PSNI report and have arranged for a member of staff from the District Office to call with the tenant to reassess his level of points,” she added.

“Consideration to waive the two-year tenancy transfer criteria will be determined following this assessment and receipt of the police report.”

Police said they do not discuss the security of any individuals.

“However, if we receive information that a person’s life may be at risk we will inform the relevant persons accordingly,” added the spokeswoman.

“We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk.”

Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has been in regular contact with local NIHE staff who have been working to accommodate the tenant’s requirements.

Mrs Dobson said, “My office has been dealing with a considerable volume of housing issues on behalf of constituents across Upper Bann, including people who are presently homeless and who have urgent housing needs. Indeed I have spoken with the District Manager regarding these recent incidents.

“Housing Executive officials have been proactive in meeting many of these requirements and I trust that in this case they will take note of these recent incidences and take the appropriate action to ensure his housing needs are fully met.

“I would also urge anyone who may have information regarding these incidents, which would be helpful to the police in their ongoing investigations, to contact Banbridge PSNI.”