Call for knife amnesty after recent violence

Travellers were involved in violent scenes at Bell’s Row two weeks ago while this weekend a man was brutally stabbed in Dill Avenue.

Mayor of Craigavon Carla Lockhart, speaking at this Monday’s monthly meeting of council, condemned both incidents saying there was no excuse for such behaviour.

Councillor Joe Nelson of the SDLP, commenting on the incident involving Travellers, said: “I understand the Travelling community have their own ways of dealing with things but when that results in open warfare on the streets of Lurgan this isn’t acceptable.”

He also said this weekend’s violence in Dill Avenue could have ended in tragedy, reiterating the need to send out a message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

Of the stabbing incident the Mayor said: “I would commend the PSNI for their swift action. It concerns me that so many young people are caught up in this kind of crime.”

Sinn Fein’s Jonny McGibbon added: “I think the message has to go out to all members of the community and all sections of the community that this won’t be tolerated.”

Mr McGibbon said his party had raised the issue of ‘some type of knife amnesty’ and proposed that the suggestion was put forward to the PCSP (Police and Community Safety Partnership).

His proposal was seconded and it was agreed to write to the chair of PCSP suggesting a knife amnesty.