Town hosts second meeting to tackle anti-social behaviour

A committee of interested members of the community is to be established in Ballyjamesduff to explore the possibility of setting up youth facilities in the town in an attempt to curb growing anxiety in relation to a spate of incidents of anti-social behaviour which occurred locally in recent weeks.

A second well-attended meeting took place at St Joseph’s Hall, Ballyjamesduff on Wednesday night last where, as requested previously, the Chief Superintendent for the Cavan-Monaghan district James Sheridan and gardai from the area were present to answer ongoing concerns.

Though heated at times, the debate focused clearly on solutions, something Chair of the meeting, local Fine Gael Cllr Paddy Smith told The Anglo-Celt was “a big step forward”.

“That was always had to be the case. There would be no point in holding meeting after meeting and still hearing the same arguments over and over again. We have to move on, and we have to move on together. The focus now has to be on putting our words into actions, positive actions with everyone behind them. If we don't all back the plans going forward then there's a danger we'll find ourselves back at square one again”.

Major concerns voiced at the meeting to the top table included the need for extra gardai on the streets, to replaced a recent retiree from the force, or at the very least, extra patrols on the beat.

While Chief Supt Sheridan said he was hampered by constraints on resources, the situation in Ballyjamesduff regarding anti-social behaviour would be kept in focus by An Garda Siochana and appealed to those present to bring to garda attention any acts of criminality.

“We can only do so much, but we need the public's help too”, he said.

 

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