Following Armagh I‘s recent report highlighting residents’ concerns over drugs, disorder and safety in Markethill, others have come forward to say drugs are even being offered on their doorsteps… but they have little faith that increased police presence will effect real change.
Just days ago, residents expressed their concerns to this publication following numerous serious incidents including drug deals happening in clear view of the public, a petrol bomb attack and a series of assaults.
Speaking at the end of January, one woman said the Newry Street area, a mainly residential part of the town, has become a particular flashpoint, after claiming to have witnessed a drug deal happening in broad daylight.
“It’s getting to the point where there are open drug deals being done in the street, with children walking to and from school and families walking by. It’s just getting dangerous for the innocent residents of Markethill,” she said.
Now, additional residents of the Bunker Hill area have added credence to those claims with some saying “buds” have even been offered directly on their doorstep in exchange for a lift, by a man who was clearly “under the influence”.
A neighbour’s car is also reported to have had its windows smashed in the middle of the night, thus putting many in the area on high alert.
These incidents all occurred within the month of January but the tension has been building over a period of months, now approaching an entire year of disorder.
They have also reported seeing a marked increase in police presence in the town as a result of the incidents, however, this is doing little to assuage their concerns.
“Police are never out of the town,” said one person. “What are they going to do? They can’t do anything.”
When contacted by Armagh I, a police spokesperson confirmed local police have been carrying out additional patrols in Markethill in direct response to concerns raised by the local community.
Promisingly, a number of arrests have been made and conditions imposed.
They added: “In recent weeks three people have been arrested for various offences as part of ongoing investigations into a number of different incidents. These individuals are now subject to conditions which prevent them from entering the town.
“We are continuing to engage with local representatives and residents to address any ongoing issues and we encourage anyone with information or who has experienced a crime to get in touch with us so it can be investigated effectively.
“Please call 101 or get in touch online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ .”
