Executive gets tough on antisocial behaviour

THE Housing Executive has made significant progress over the past year in addressing antisocial behaviour in Lurgan, including the repossession of two properties.

140 incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) were received and processed by the Housing Executive’s Lurgan office, compared to 90 in the previous year.

The number of 'complex' cases reported during this time has increased significantly. Complex cases are those cases where there is threat of violence or there has been physical violence, persistent nuisance behaviour such as loud parties, verbal abuse to neighbours, damage to property or a communal area. These cases usually involve the collation of incidents by using diaries and would ordinarily involve The Housing Executive liaising with PSNI, social services, council or youth justice agency.

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'Simple' cases may be where there is a clash of lifestyle, noise, parking issues, a dog barking, loud music being played, rubbish dumping, children playing ball or causing annoyance.

Public confidence has increased in reporting ASB to the Housing Executive. This year the Housing Executive has repossessed two properties on the grounds of anti-social activity in the Lurgan area.

Housing manager, Colin Ross said: ”Our district office has performed extremely well this year but there is still much more that can be achieved. We must continue to work with communities to bring an end to anti-social behaviour. I would encourage people to report incidents as and when they occur and not to suffer in silence. We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the PSNI and council to address anti-social behaviour.”

The Housing Executive’s focus is on early interventions that stop such behaviour and action that helps keep people in their homes. Legal action is therefore only required in a small number of all reported incidents of antisocial behaviour.

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Colin continued: “The majority of reports we receive are relatively low level incidents relating to noise nuisance for example.

“Over the past 12 months we have seen a significant increase in mediation referrals, this approach is clearly having a positive impact.

“If you are a Housing Executive tenant and are experiencing problems you should report the incident immediately to your district office, on 03448 920 900. You can come and talk to us in total confidence.”

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