ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in the Ballymacash area is making local residents 'uncomfortable' in their own homes two local councillors have claimed.
And they say the problem has been caused by the removal of street lighting at the rear of Rathvarna Walk and Drive.
Councillors Jonathan Craig and William Leathem have written to the District Manager of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive abou
t the lack of street lighting and other issues.
Mr Craig explained: "I have received complaints regarding street lighting been removed. There was a scheme which replaced the old lights with new ones, but in Rathvarna Walk and Drive, the lights at the rear of the houses were not replaced.
"There is a high hedge to the rear of these houses and no lights make it a dark which has resulted in it becoming an area where youths gather at night."
Mr Leathem said his concerns had been heightened when he visited the area:
"When I looked into the hedge and saw the number of bottles I was extremely worried. If the lights are not reinstated there is an accident waiting to happen" he said.
"Where young people gather in an area with the large amount of empty bottles there is a serious problem. I have contacted the community police requesting them to ensure this area is inspected on a regular basis to ensure that the anti social behaviour does not get out of control until the lights are reinstated."
The full article contains 250 words and appears in Ulster Star newspaper.
