New group to tackle local troublemakers

A group of up to 25 teenagers, aged between 12 and 16, who have been wreaking havoc in the area around the St John’s Church of Ireland Graveyard and Manor Nursing Home, have now moved to the grounds of Rathfriland High School.

After months of trouble including underage drinking and vandalism at the nursing home, the teens have now been blamed for leaving broken alcohol bottles on the High School football pitch where young Moneyslane footballers train and play their games.

Following a recent meeting between police, the Housing Executive, the council and local residents, one Cross Heights man said the formation of a community association is 90 per cent of the way there.

“This problem has been going on for four or five years now and it has just moved from one area to the next,” said Michael O’Kane.

“But now we’ve had a great response from the police and other organisations and hopefully we can finally nip this in the bud once and for all.”

Councillor Liz Ingram, a representative of the Rathfriland area, attended the meeting two weeks ago and welcomed the move.

“It is good to see the bodies all working together to try and solve this problem,” said Mrs Ingram.

“We cannot expect the police to be able to resolve every problem all the time but their help at the recent meeting is much appreciated.”

South Down UUP MLA John McCallister has welcomed the formation of a community association at Cross Heights, Rathfriland and wished them well in representing the people of the area.

He said, "Groups like this are vital to ensuring everyone lives in harmony. This group will work directly with the PSNI, Housing Executive and local Councillors. I am delighted that positive steps have been taken by local people in a bid to improve community relations for all. Anti-social behaviour is a total scourge on communities and anything that helps stamp it out must be welcomed."