An urgent multi-agency meeting is being called for in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour and a spate of fires being set by young people in the Newry city area.
Deep concerns have been shared by residents living in the Armagh Road area about the storage of pallets and tyres in the locality by groups youths.
Local Sinn Fein Councillor Roisin Mulgrew has confirmed she has requested a meeting with all city councillors, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council officials, Policing & Community Safety Partnership and all other “appropriate agencies”.
She said it was important they get together to “discuss the latest spate of fires and the collecting and storage of pallets and tyres in the city”.
Said Councillor Mulgrew: “Myself and my council colleagues along with Liz Kimmins MLA and Mickey Brady MP recently met with the PSNI and discussed our concerns about this issue.
“Following on from that meeting I have requested an emergency meeting with all Newry Newry City Councillors, the PCSP and all relevant agencies.
“This type of anti-social activity has to be challenged and those involved encouraged to stop. Local people – particularly those most vulnerable, the elderly – are afraid of these fires and this stockpiling of fire materials.
“Hopefully we as elected representatives, working in partnership with all agencies, will ensure that these anti-social activities are stopped and that local residents can live in safety and peace.”
