Youths ‘partying and lighting fire’ at former Derry college site despite COVID and safety risk

The Foyle College building was destroyed by fire two years ago (left) but youths are still gathering and have created a den said Councillor Shauna Cusack.

The fire at the former Foyle College site at Northland Road had to be attended by emergency services last night.

Colr. Cusack said: “This is a large site which unfortunately is very easily accessed. It is due to be the site for the new Ardnashee school with an estimated date of Spring 2021 for the works to commence.

“We all know what happened with the old building when it had to be demolished last year following an arson attack and it seems the site has again become a magnet for anti social behaviour.

“In the last few weeks local residents have reported large numbers of youths, some as young as 15 trying to access the site with drink. They have set up palettes for seating within the trees at the periphery of the site and can be heard partying into the early hours causing sleepless nights for the residents.

“The PSNI and the Council Community Safety Wardens have been in attendance and have witnessed evidence of drug taking also. This latest incident, which we all feared shows how these gatherings can escalate and get out of control engendering both themselves, others and surrounding property.”

Colr. Cusack said she has been speaking with the authorities and directly with the Education Authority at the end of last week who had committed to removing materials and investigate private security to monitor the private site.

“Meanwhile, I would ask parents and the public to play their part and either talk to your child about this area or report any trespass you see.

“While the obvious activities of underage drinking, drugs and now arson are very worrying we cannot forget the silent killer of Covid being transmitted when unmonitored crowds gather. Anyone with any information please get in touch.”