Holyland residents say they experienced the 'worst Halloween ever' following a night of partying and anti-social behaviour.
Those living in the South Belfast area say that throughout the night on Monday, they had to deal with fireworks, loud partying, bottles being smashed, cars damaged and walls openly vandalised.
Holyland resident and campaigner Brid Ruddy said: "Residents have told me that last night was the worst Halloween that they have experienced in the Holyland with many not getting any sleep due to the constant disruption.
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"Houses were being egged, bottles smashed on the pavement and street and wing mirrors were kicked off cars, not to mention the constant fireworks and loud partying taking place.
"Why is it only on St Patrick's Day that the police and other agencies carry out operations to stop anti-social behaviour here when it is clearly a year round problem that is rarely addressed?
"Last night, like most nights, there did not appear to be anyone in the area to deal with the problems and residents would like to know why this seems to be normalised now.
"Earlier this year it was announced that a special regeneration strategy for the area would be set up, but so far we have not seen any improvement and we would like to know what gains have been made as part of this and whether the absence of an Executive is having an impact."
Belfast City Council has said that it has been working with the police and universities ahead of the Halloween period.
A spokesperson said: “We have been working alongside the PSNI, universities and other statutory and community partners to co-ordinate operations and provide a high visibility presence over the Halloween period.
“Our cleansing teams, safer neighbourhood and alcohol enforcement officers have been working in the Holyland area and actively responding to requests for service. Our night-time noise team have also been operating a full service.
“We will continue to engage daily with our partners to manage the area and plan our collective working arrangements.”
Police have said that two community resolution notices have been issued to two 18-year-old men after a car was damaged and fireworks were thrown into the street.
Inspector Philip McCullagh said: “Earlier today police issued a community resolution notice to an 18-year-old man, following a report that a parked car had been damaged. Another 18-year-old man received a community resolution notice, having set off fireworks in the street.
“We have local officers dedicated to providing a visible policing presence across south Belfast, including the Holyland area, in the coming days, working alongside partner agencies, local representatives and members of the community to address any problems that may arise, including anti-social and criminal behaviour.
“Once again, I want to reiterate our message, that the Holyland area of south Belfast is a residential area – NOT a party or nightlife destination.
“I would also ask parents and guardians to speak with young people who may be enjoying the mid-term break from school, about not getting involved in behaviour that can have a negative impact on the community.
“Police will robustly address any anti-social behaviour or criminal activity. I encourage the public to report any incidents directly to police to enable us to take action.
“Any incident can be reported on the non-emergency number 101.”
“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.”
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