There have been calls for anti-social behaviour in Keady to “stop immediately”, after the latest spate saw cars in the area pelted with eggs.
The incident occurred yesterday evening (Wednesday, October 28) outside the community’s Tommy Makem (TMAC) centre.
It follows on the heels of other less serious occurrences of anti-social behaviour, that while not necessarily dangerous, have caused an unwelcome nuisance to those living in the rural town.
Last week, 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.”
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.
Calling on parents to intervene, Sinn Féin Councillor Ashley Mallon said her party “strongly condemn the unacceptable behaviour” of cars being pelted with eggs.
“This is not harmless fun. It can damage people’s property and could easily lead to someone getting hurt,” she continued. “With Halloween approaching, we would ask young people to act responsibly and urge parents and guardians to know where their children are and what they’re getting up to.
“This type of antisocial behaviour has no place in our community and must stop. If there are any further issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.”
Sinn Féin MLA, Cathal Boylan also commented: “This behaviour is entirely unacceptable and must stop immediately. I would urge parents and guardians to know where their children are and remind them of the impact their actions can have on others. There is no place for this in our community.”
