Limavady: Anti-social behaviour 'distressing for residents'

BBC News NI has been unable to reach the owner of the house in Castle Park

Dozens of residents in Limavady have said their lives are being made a misery because of anti-social behaviour at a derelict house.

A group of people got together in Castle Park in the town on Wednesday to call for the police to do more.

They said young people had been gathering at the property for months drinking, breaking glass, partying and causing noise at weekends.

The PSNI said it takes reports of anti-social behaviour "very seriously".

BBC Radio Foyle has also made attempts to contact the owner of the derelict property.

'We've had enough'

One resident, who does not want to be identified, has lived in Castle Park for 40 years.

"The noise, the drinking, the broken glass are causing people a lot of distress," she told The North West Today.

"It's actually affecting my mental health having to not only listen to the noise but also look at the property and the overgrown trees in bushes," the woman added.

"Castle Park has always been a wonderful area but this is just a den now for young people to come and cause bother. We've had enough and the police need to do more."

The PSNI told BBC Radio Foyle it had received a number of reports of anti-social behaviour in the Castle Park area.

Police take anti-social behaviour seriously and are "committed to working toward solutions", PSNI Insp Burns said.

"People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe in their communities. Those who choose to engage in anti-social and criminal behaviour must understand that it is unacceptable."

Insp Burns added: "We would ask parents and guardians to speak to their young people and always be aware of what they are doing."

'Someone might get hurt'

A Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council spokesperson said: "It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the property is secured and in a safe condition.

"However, council's building control team have inspected this property to see if it meets the criteria for council intervention.

"Following the inspection the property did not meet the requirements of our legislation."

Another resident said "parents in the town need to check where their children are and talk to them about the dangers of gathering in a property that's not theirs".

"We've had enough of the noise, the drinking, the rubbish and overgrown trees on the site.

"We worry that someone might get hurt. That's when somebody might listen but it'll be too late."