Children as young as 13 involved in anti-social behaviour

The Windmill area of the town has seen a number of anti-social incidents recently.

A local community representative has claimed crowds of approximately 30 young people have been gathering in the town, with underage drinking and drug use a regular occurrence.

Progressive Unionist Party representative Jim Mccaw said the issue has been to the fore in recent months, with some elderly residents now afraid to leave their homes due to the anti-social elements in the area.

Speaking to the Times, Mr Mccaw said: “This issue has been ongoing for some time, with young people gathering and drinking in certain areas, including in the Windmill and North Road areas.

“However, residents are now aware of a younger element, with children as young as 13 involved.

“It is not just children from Carrickfergus, but from across east Antrim and Belfast who are coming into the area and causing grief for residents.”

Commenting on the drug use, Mr Mccaw added: “I believe the drug element has come from Belfast. I hope I am wrong, but the feeling around the town is that it is only a matter of time before one of these teenagers dies from drug use.

“I’ve brought the ‘One Pill Will Kill’ campaign to the town and intend to do so again. Hopefully it will help to reduce the problem and educate young people about the dangers of drugs.”

He concluded: “I would call on parents to be aware of what their children are doing. If their children get a criminal record, it may hamper their opportunities when they are older.”