Street youth service could help ‘community at wits’ end’ after spike in anti-social behaviour during COVID-19 says Ferguson

She raised the matter in response to high levels of anti-social behaviour in some areas. She told the Council’s Health & Community Committee that, in the last twelve months, ‘we have seen a spike in anti-social behaviour.’

Parents in Strathfoyle have been worried about groups of teenagers gathering in large groups of 40 or 50, she said.

“The community suspects that they have been drinking and putting themselves into dangerous situations. We have had a fire on the railway tracks...community groups have tried to engage online, wardens have been out day and night, and the PSNI have been called numerous times.

“The community is at its wits’ end at what to do.”

Colr. Ferguson said the help of the Education Authority (EA), and their intervention youth workers was needed.