Landlords blasts inaction over shenanigans of club-goers in Cookstown after losing tenants

The couple and their baby were living in a home that faced on to the main street, but were often woken by revellers leaving nearby licensed premises late at night.

After losing his tenants to a more quiet area of town, Shane Beckett has questioned the ability of authorities to deal with the problem.

Hitting out at council and police, he said he appeared before councillors to explain his tenants’ difficulties at an Environment Committee meeting in January.

Those living in his four properties have had club-goers urinating on their doors, glass bottles strewn across their yards, and found couples getting intimate beside their homes. But he said he has since been told he cannot have details of how the decision to renew the license was reached, as it comes under commercial confidentially.

Mr Beckett told the Mail: “Some of my tenants have now been driven out of their homes because of the problem.

Asked what he would do to resolve the issue, he said: “The buses must drop off at the door of the nightclub... then go and park in the Burnavon and then at kicking out time, they need to queue up in the double lanes and pick up from the door. It’s all about crowd control,” he explained.

“They need to be held back from the top of Loy Hill and away from residents homes (and) the nightclub needs to keep its doors open to allow people to use the toilets, until the last bus has gone.”

The Mail contacted the club for a comment, but so far, they have not replied.

Asked why the licensing discussion could not be made public, a spokesperson for the council said: “Information that relates to the financial or business affairs of any particular person is specified as exempt information and so the business was transacted and a decision taken in-committee.

“The council will continue to support the police in dealing with public order issues, where appropriate.”

Speaking for the PSNI, Superintendent Mike Baird said: “Cookstown has a vibrant night time economy, with members of the local community and visitors enjoying what the town has to offer.

“I would like to remind those who are out at night to respect the people who live in the local community and be mindful of how their actions can impact on their lives.

“The local police continue to work closely with licensees and community representatives in the town to address any concerns that are brought to our notice.

“I would ask anyone who is aware of antisocial behaviour to please contact police on the non-emergency number 101 and let us know.”