Residents in part of East Belfast say they are "living in fear" due to ongoing anti-social behaviour on wasteland close to their homes.
In April last year, plans for a new residential development of 115 apartment and duplex units, including 27 social housing, were approved for the site off London Road. However, later in the year graffiti threatening builders appeared in blue paint on concrete blocks at the site, with construction staff unable to proceed with the development.
Soon after, residents say anti-social behaviour ramped up again at the site, with young people collecting and brining pallets to the area and partying, letting off fireworks, and verbally abusing locals. Residents claim when the young people have been confronted, they say "the land belongs to them now" and "no one will ever build on it".
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Speaking to Belfast Live, a local resident who wished to remain anonymous, said those in the area are at their wits' end. They added: "People on all four sides of this site are at their wits' end because of the anti-social behaviour until all hours, the stoning of house windows, the fires, the abuse, and the general filth which has accumulated on the site due to fly-tipping.
"Large vans pull up regularly to dump building materials, furniture and general household waste. The site is a cesspit and a danger to health.
"For years we have been terrorised and tortured by anti-social behaviour in the run up to the 11th July, when a bonfire is lit on the site. The number of pallets collected already is terrifying and we are really scared at the thought of the size of the bonfire this year.
"An elderly neighbour challenged a fly tipper and was told in no uncertain terms what would happen to him if he didn't 'F*** off and mind his own business'."
The resident said something needs to be done to tackle the issue head-on and for good. They added: "People have contacted the council, councillors and politicians, and last year the fire brigade was called out hundreds of times due to fires being started on the site, but no one cares or is brave enough to do anything about the situation. However they regularly speak out in the media about the need for houses in East Belfast.
"We are too scared to speak out, but why this is being allowed to happen when there are so many homeless, and why do we have to live in fear for more than eight months every year?"
Police have said they are aware of reports of ongoing anti-social behaviour in the Lismore Street and London Road areas. In response, they have put extra police patrols in place.
Sergeant Connolly said: “We want to assure nearby residents and business owners that we take such incidents very seriously, and we have put in place extra police patrols, with officers providing a visible policing presence in these areas.
"We are aware of the negative impact that this type of activity can have on the local community and would appeal to anyone affected to report anti-social activity. I would also stress that attacks, whether physical or verbal, are completely unacceptable. Members of the community should have the right to expect that they can go about their daily lives without fear of being targeted.”
Sergeant Connolly continued: “I would appeal to those involved in anti-social behaviour of any kind to think seriously about the consequences of their actions, and I would ask local parents and guardians to speak to their young people about where they are and who they are with, and to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in this type of behaviour.
“Our Neighbourhood Team will continue to engage with local people, focusing our patrols where they are needed, and taking positive action where we can.
"We would encourage the community to continue to report crimes or incidents that impact on their quality of life on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
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