A group of youths creating havoc in a residential area of Limavady, reportedly drinking at all hours of the day and trashing the neighbourhood, have created conditions one local councillor has branded "sub human."
DUP Colr. Alan Robinson says the youths have turned two derelict properties on Sperrin Road in the town into drinking dens.
Residents say the group, up to 16 males and females at times, have turned up with carry outs as early as 9am in the morning
.The area is filled with debris from fires, and broken glass from beer bottles. Graffiti has been plastered across walls and windows.
"Nobody should have to live under these conditions," he said.
One woman living near the properties says she does not allow her young daughters outside because it is too dangerous. The youths are also alleged to have wrecked her daughter's swing set, setting it alight.
"I've no choice but to stay here," the woman told the Journal. I can't go anywhere else."
"They burnt my daughter's toys. The next thing will be my house," she feared. "I just want to get rid of these youths because they are causing me bother."
The woman said the police do respond but once the youths see the officers, they flee.
Now, Colr. Robinson plans to lobby Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie to release funding for a 'multi element improvement scheme' for the area. He said he would also be asking the Limavady District Policing Partnership to write to the minister on the matter as well as DUP MLA., George Robinson.
The full article contains 270 words and appears in Journal Friday DER Edition newspaper.
