Antisocial behaviour ‘intimidating’ for Greenisland residents

It follows frequent reports of large groups congregating in the area in recent weeks, according to Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston.

“Residents have been completely tortured with young people drinking and making a racket at all hours,” Cllr Johnston said.

“Aside from excessive littering and noise, they are intimidating and discouraging residents from shopping in [local] businesses, who have supported the community of Greenisland throughout this pandemic by staying open and providing their service.”

Aaron Gray, owner of Costcutter on Station Road said: “It’s starting to impact on our customers, especially the elderly. They shouldn’t feel like they can’t come to their local shop.”

Some have even experienced verbal abuse, Aaron added: “I’ve had to put on staff in the evening who can deal with this kind of behaviour, but nobody should have to deal with that.

“We have all the precautions in place here in the shop with PPE and so on, but the young people involved don’t seem to care about social distancing.”

Commenting on the issue, PSNI Constable McGuinness said: “Police are aware of issues of antisocial behaviour occurring in and around the area of Greenisland Train Station.

“This commonly involves groups of youths causing disturbances. While this behaviour may seem like fun to the culprits, it is without question totally distressing for everyone else.

“We are committed to tackling this situation and we are working closely with others, including local councillors and Translink, who have been continually supportive. We have increased our presence and are carrying out additional patrols in the area.

“We are appealing for widespread support. I am appealing to anyone who witnesses, or who is or affected by, incidents of such antisocial behaviour to contact police immediately. I am also asking parents or guardians to know what their children are doing outside of the home and to make it clear that any behaviour that impacts negatively will not be tolerated. Young people could find themselves with a criminal record, which has all sorts of consequences.

“Please contact us immediately on 101 and in an emergency call 999.”

In a statement, a Translink spokesperson said: “We are working with the PSNI, local community, youth groups and local representatives around Greenisland station to reduce anti-social behaviour so we can maintain high calibre services for our customers.

“We are also looking into works at the station to prevent loitering including improved fencing and upgraded CCTV.

“The welfare of our staff and passengers is our top priority and we strongly condemn all incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“We operate a cash reward scheme offering up to £1000 to any member of the public who witnesses any anti-social incident against our staff, vehicles or property and is prepared to give evidence in court, resulting in a conviction.”