Boycott call over disco

The parents from the Mourneview and Grey estates believed the disco was encouraging under-age drinking.

Criticism was levelled at the council for their decision to allow the discos to continue after there had been a recent suspension to allow for discussion of previous complaints.

A spokesman for the parents’ association alleged that children as young as 11 were getting drunk at the discos at Mourneview Community Centre.

“The people of the area need to make a stand. They should boycott the centre and stop their children from going there until the council shuts the discos down. It’s our centre and we must show the council that we, the parents, want these discos stopped now.”

He added that during the two week suspension of the discos, the area had been peaceful and there were ‘no drunk children around the place’.

Replying to the criticism, chief recreation officer Harry Averley pointed out that complaints had been received by the council in recent weeks. The Saturday night dances were temporarily suspended to allow these to be investigated.

A decision was then made, however, to allow the discos to continue, on the grounds that they were being blamed for behaviour in the area beyond the organisers’ control.

Mr Averley said: “It seemed to be that the real problem was alcohol abuse and its supply to under-age children. There was nothing to suggest that it was being sourced in any way from the disco.

“We have staff on duty throughout these events and we will have no hesitation in stopping the discos if there is any evidence of untoward behaviour, such as children drinking or coming in drunk.”

The council’s view was that banning the event would not deal with the problem, which was the supply of alcohol to young children in the area.

The chief recreation officer asked for co-operation: “I am not really aware of this particular parents’ association, but would like to hear from them and hope they would act responsibly by contacting me directly.”