Residents in Markethill have spoken of growing fears for their safety amid claims of open drug dealing, anti-social behaviour and rising disorder in parts of the town.
One local woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said the situation has been deteriorating for months and is now approaching a year, with repeated concerns raised to police, the Housing Executive and local MLAs.
“I’ve been talking to more and more people around Markethill and it’s been coming up time and time again,” she said. “It’s been brought up with police, housing exec, MLAs and nothing is being done.”
The resident said the Newry Street area, a mainly residential part of the town, has become a particular flashpoint, with alleged drug activity taking place in full view of the public.
“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.
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Recalling one recent incident, she described what she believes was a drug transaction taking place at an ATM in the town.
“I was driving past and two men – one from one direction and one from the other – met at the ATM machine. One took money out and handed it to the other, who gave him a small plastic bag. That day there was another family waiting at the ATM, and I think there were two young kids with them. They just don’t even care anymore.”
She said friends living in the area no longer feel safe carrying out everyday activities.
“I have a friend who lives along there and she doesn’t feel safe walking her children to the shop,” she said.
“There was shouting in the main street the other day, and people arguing with each other. It used to be a very quiet town. It was a town people didn’t mind going to visit, and now I just feel there’s such a poor light being shed on it.”
The woman also claimed residents are increasingly fearful of reporting incidents to authorities.
“A girl going into a local shop told her she saw a man standing outside with a hacksaw,” she said. “People are seeing it, but they are scared to report it because of the types of people involved.”
Damage to property has also been highlighted as a growing concern.
“There’s windows boarded up. Newry Street is a residential area with people living there. They’re fighting among themselves and windows are getting damaged,” she said.
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She added that while police are frequently seen in the town, residents feel little has changed.
“They get arrested, get lifted and then they get let out. Police cars are in and out of the town all the time and it makes you wonder the amount of resources being used.”
The resident said she is speaking out now in the hope that action will be taken before the situation worsens.
“I think it’s just time now that people are coming forward to try and get the help that Markethill needs before something serious goes wrong.”
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