Resident voices his anger over '˜a lack of support' at Connolly Place

One local resident has described how he has been forced to leave his home in Connolly Place due to the constant torture by drunks and drug takers.

He explained that within the last year a house close to him had been burnt out with the occupants fleeing and he also has been forced to leave with another resident having left around a year ago.

David Robinson, who owns the house, said he had been contacting police but gave up as they never arrived when he called and even if they had spotted the alleged offenders no one was arrested or dealt with.

He blamed intimidation for forcing out all three residents and a lack of police protection.

He added that Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Council failed to support the locals by erecting a gate which may have helped stop the anti-social behaviour.

Mr Robinson says he has lost faith in the police and has moved away from the area.

He has since rented his property out. However over Christmas his tenants also suffered from similar anti-social behaviour.

“We are being forced out of our homes and nothing is being done,” he said.

“These thugs are running rings around the authorities and law abiding people have been forced from their homes.”

He said the street is an eyesore as one property has been burnt out and is boarded up.

Mr Robinson said all the authorities had let the people in this area down very badly.

Chief Inspector O’Connor said: “Police take reports of anti-social behaviour very seriously as we know it affects quality of life within the community.

“However, we need the public to report any incidents to us and we would encourage anyone with concerns to contact us on the non-emergency number 101.

“We have previously offered to meet with residents in the area and discuss any issues with them - and we are still willing to do this if they would like to get in touch,” said the Chief Inspector.

“We have and will continue to work closely with the whole community to address issues as they arise, as well as continually build upon and enhance the strong links that already exist.

“Community support is essential as we seek to make our neighbourhoods safer.