Groups welcome engagement on anti-social behaviour in Neillsbrook

NEILLSBROOK Community Development Group and Randalstown Cultural Awareness Association has welcomed the opportunity to ‘engage constructively’ with statutory agencies and community partners in response to ongoing anti-social behaviour impacting residents in the Neillsbrook area.

In a joint statement, they said: “We recognise the genuine distress, frustration and sense of isolation being experienced by many individuals and families.

“As community-based organisations, our priority is to ensure that residents feel heard, supported and actively involved in shaping solutions.

“We fully support a coordinated, visible and proportionate multi-agency response.

“We also acknowledge the ongoing damage and support a review of preventative measures. Any action taken should aim to protect community assets, deter further anti-social behaviour and ensure responsible use of public resources.

“Importantly, we wish to emphasise that the vast majority of young people in our community are respectful and positively engaged. Our approach must balance enforcement with prevention, support and meaningful engagement opportunities.

“We remain committed to working alongside partners, residents and elected representatives to restore a sense of safety, pride and cohesion within Neillsbrook. A sustained and collaborative approach will be essential in delivering lasting change.

“We would importantly ask that those victims of Anti-Social Behaviour report all incidents by calling 101, reporting via https://www.psni.police.uk/#

report and in an emergency 999.

Ulster Unionist Dunsilly Councillor Stewart Wilson said: “Last week I convened a very robust multi-agency meeting with the PSNI, the PCSP and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in tandem with Neillsbrook Community Development Group, Randalstown Cultural Awareness Association, IMPACT Network and Alternatives Restorative Justice, and local residents who have been directly affected by the ongoing anti-social al behaviour in Neillsbrook over the last 18 months.

“Council officers have now agreed now explore the costings and feasibility of installing CCTV at Neillsbrook Community Centre to support PSNI investigations.

“Residents also provided the PSNI with detailed information on peak times for this behaviour, particularly at weekends, to help ensure resources can be targeted where they are most needed.

“I want to strongly reiterate the importance of reporting every incident through 101 or the online reporting system. This evidence is essential for the PSNI to build a full picture of what is happening and to justify increased policing in the area.

“It was also made clear that this behaviour is impacting residents from both sides of the community, and much of the trouble is being caused by youths who do not live in Neillsbrook.

“All stakeholders remain committed to working together to restore safety, confidence, and respect for the area.”

It’s understood that other Dunsilly representatives were not invited to the meeting.

DUP Alderman Linda Clarke last week thanked Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough for the quick response in getting a union flag replaced at Old Bleach Bowling Club in Randalstown after it was stolen the previous weekend.