A spate of ‘disheartening’ anti-social behaviour in a rural Co Armagh recreational space has highlighted the need for improved community facilities, according to a political representative who vows to “never give up” on the town.
Aontú Armagh representative, Daniel Connolly said he joined the ABC Community Safety Warden of an evening on his patrol of Keady Glen.
He wished to discuss ongoing concerns about anti-social behaviour and the condition of the Glen with the warden and assess what could be done to improve the situation.
However, the representative said “literally within the first minute, we encountered a group of teenage boys, in their mid to late teens, gathered in the wooden gazebo in the children’s play park, playing music on their phones in a poorly lit area.”
While it wasn’t the worse example of “anti-social” behaviour imaginable, Mr Connolly said “two things can be true at the same time”.
“Young people need places to meet and socialise, but a dimly lit children’s play area is absolutely not the right place for groups of older teenagers to gather,” he explained.
“We need more facilities and opportunities for young people in Keady, whether that’s sport, youth clubs or somewhere suitable to meet their friends. But we also need to make sure that families feel comfortable using spaces intended for younger children.
“Children deserve somewhere to play and parents deserve to feel comfortable bringing them there.”
Continuing on their patrol of the area, the pair attended the Old Mill area where they came across a “burnt-out tyre filled with litter, abandoned on a public walkway”, which was subsequently reported.
“Standing there, beside an historic building whose continued neglect already causes so much sadness and frustration locally, I couldn’t help but feel a little disheartened,” continued Mr Connolly.
“It’s genuinely sad to see parts of our town – a town with so much history, character and potential being treated this way.
“This isn’t about demonising young people. It’s about wanting better for everyone. Better facilities for teenagers. Safer spaces for our children. Proper maintenance. Real action on anti-social behaviour. And greater care for the heritage that makes our town special.
“We shouldn’t have to keep asking for the basics or watch places we care about slowly deteriorate.”
Mr Connolly thanked the warden and ABC Community Safety Team for taking the time to walk the area and discuss these concerns.
“I care deeply about this town and its people. And while evenings like this leave me feeling sad and frustrated, they only strengthen my determination to keep fighting for better,” he said.
“I’ll never give up on Keady, its people or the places that matter to us. Our town deserves better and I’ll do everything I can to make sure we get it.”
