Anti-social behaviour in Carrick estate raised with Housing Executive

A meeting has taken place with the Housing Executive in a bid to improve safety in the lower part of Carrick's Sunnylands estate.
Deputy mayor Cllr. Cheryl Johnston.Deputy mayor Cllr. Cheryl Johnston.
Deputy mayor Cllr. Cheryl Johnston.

The meeting was held in response to anti-social behaviour in the vicinity which came sharply into focus following a fire which spread to a pensioner’s bungalow at Fergus Court.

The home of a frail 73-year-old woman caught fire after rubbish outside the property was set alight just feet from a gas meter box.

DUP MLA David Hilditch, who organised the meeting at Fergus Court with party colleague deputy mayor Cllr. Cheryl Johnston, said: “This is absolutely disgraceful behaviour putting people’s lives at danger.”

Fire damage caused to a property at Fergus Court.Fire damage caused to a property at Fergus Court.
Fire damage caused to a property at Fergus Court.

Cllr. Johnston added: “David Hilditch and I held a productive meeting with the Housing Exceutive after a number of house calls in the area. The issues raised ranged from litter, anti-social behaviour, dog fouling and parking. The main aim was to investigate the possiblity of closing of the back path of these properties to provided a closed secure area for the residents after the very dangerous incident recently.

“The Housing Excutive is to asertain who owns lands and will certainly investigate the options available at this stage. We will also be further engaging with residents and the community group on this issue.”

A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said: “Following recent anti-social behaviour in the Fergus Court area, Housing Executive staff met with local elected representatives last week to discuss matters. Ways to reduce anti-social behaviour at the rear of homes were considered, and it was agreed to pursue some options in consultation with local residents and the Sunnylands and Woodburn Community Association.”

In addition, Cllr. Johnston has called for consideration when parking at Fergus Court.

She said “After speaking with residents, it is clear this is a massive issue for them. Elderly residents are unable to park at their own homes and it is also having knock on effects for visitors, carers, etc as well.