Anti-social behaviour on a West Belfast road is causing trauma to residents living in nearby properties.
The Stewartstown Road has saw multiple incidents of disruption in recent days but some say this trouble has been ongoing for the last number of years. Windows of a block of flats have been smashed and targeted with fireworks.
Speaking to Belfast Live, one resident, aged in their 50s, described the "trauma" of living in the flats on the Stewartstown Road saying moving into the area was the worst thing they had ever done.
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On Saturday night, the resident, who did not want to be named, phone the police who retreated from the scene after "youths threw bricks at police".
"Police sat on the Stewartstown Road on Saturday night and watched them doing it all," they said.
"We are tortured living here. I want out of here, it can't go on. This has been going on since I moved in here, and that's been a couple of years now. Windows are being smashed and are having to be boarded up. The flats in general, they seem to be a target.
"There are young people and older ones doing it, hitting windows in the middle of the night. I have been on with a local MLA, but he can only do so much. You would be taking your life into your own hands if you tried to stand up to the ones causing the trouble.
"This is just ongoing, people are sick of it. Wave after wave of attacks, with nothing being done to stop them. It happens nearly every night of the week and I don't know how many crime reference numbers from the police, since I moved in here. I am never off the phone to them, it is ridiculous.
"Living in these flats, it is miserable. Absolutely miserable, I just hate it and the sorriest thing I have ever done was sign for this flat. I shouldn't have took it, and now I am stuck here.
"We are traumatised by it. We are afraid and we need help. Of course I am terrified, a firework nearly came through my window the other night. They are just getting away with it."
Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker said over the past number of weeks they have seen an escalation of "anti community behaviour" along the Stewartstown Road.
"Residents have had their windows smashed, cars have been attacked, fires set and businesses forced to close early," he added.
"This is unacceptable and I have written to youth providers, Education Authority, community representatives and PSNI to come together and work on solutions.
"This behaviour cannot be allowed to continue. Our residents deserve to live in peace and without fear.
"We need a plan to deal with anti-social behaviour on the Stewartstown Road. Alongside Cllr Caoimhín McCann, we met with the West Belfast and Colin Community Safety teams to discuss plans for the future and steps that can be taken."
Police say they are appealing for witnesses and information following a report of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.
Sergeant Ferris said: "We received a report shortly before 7pm on Saturday, September 10 that a bin had been set on fire in the area. While attending to the incident – youths also threw bricks at a police vehicle, forcing it to retreat.
"Officers returned and carried out further patrols – extinguishing the bin fire. There were also further reports that youths threw fireworks at passing vehicles and officers continued to monitor and patrol the area.
"Our investigation is now underway. If you are aware of any anti-social behaviour issues within this area, please report the matter to police by calling 101, quoting reference number 1554 of 10/9/22. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
Choice Housing, who own the flats on the Stewartstown Road, told Belfast Live: "Choice are aware of ongoing issues in the Stewartstown Road area and are continuing to work with the PSNI and other local stakeholders to address these issues. It is disappointing that our tenant’s homes have been subjected to targeted attacks from local youths in the area.
"Choice continues to take urgent action to repair damage to property as it occurs and are actively considering further security measures to allow tenants peaceful enjoyment of their home."
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