A Portadown resident has spoken of what they are calling a “drug epidemic” alongside constant spates of violence and burglaries plaguing the area in which they live, arguing that “police don’t seem to care”.
The resident of Churchill Park – who wished to remain anonymous for fear of repercussion – spoke to Armagh I to voice their growing concerns.
During the course of the conversation, the resident mentioned instances of people “openly smoking crack cocaine” on the streets, houses being burgled in broad daylight and under the cover of night to “fuel drug habits”, the open selling of drugs beneath the “red arches” (red, metal arches of which there are three around the estate) and serious violent acts including a stabbing.
So severe are the issues in Churchill Park that the resident explained there is a well-used phrase in the area: “Churchill never sleeps, but always creeps”.
When out walking around the development they say they have found numerous needles and also believe heroin to be in supply.
They say there is also a practice called “cuckooing” occurring, a term commonly used by police to refer to the home of vulnerable adults being taken over and used for the purposes of criminal activity and is most typically associated with drug dealing.
However, despite the severity of their concerns, they claim the police presence is “non-existent” and believe that police “don’t care”.
“I’m sick of it,” said the resident. “I have contacted police on numerous occasions but the same people are out all the time. They don’t seem to be facing any consequences for their actions.”
A new community group aimed at creating a “single voice” to enact change has sprung up in reaction to the growing issues.
The group known as Garvaghy Community Collective regards itself as a residents association which is led solely by the Garvaghy Road community of Portadown, “free from political party sway”.
It adds: “The aim of this collective is to use our collective voice to create change in our area, which has for too long been infiltrated by drug dealing scumbags, housebreakers and other antisocial types.
“No longer will we stand idly by whilst elected representatives and the PSNI sit on their hands. Let us build a powerful community that takes no nonsense!”
In a separate online post, the group addressed the increased criminal behaviour and impact that it’s having on their area: “Do you remember when a community was ACTUALLY a community?” they said. “When neighbours talked and looked out for each other?
“We’ve completely lost that. Our areas are blighted with drug dealing and those involved don’t care how much pain and suffering they inflict on the residents. Young people ending up hospitalised, addicted or dead thanks to the crap being pushed on them.
“How long do we wait before we say enough is enough? People are quick to mobilise to stand outside pedophile houses, but why not the same when it comes to those pushing hard drugs? Do we wait until another young person dies?”
Armagh I contacted the community group for more information about the situation on the ground. An anonymous member explained: “The entire front row of Churchill Park has been ‘ghettoised’, to be totally honest.”
The group claim that cars and vans are stolen by people who live in the Churchill area, which are then used for “robberies and then burnt out in front of that row.”
“The large clique of drug dealers know that the community are scared of them so they rule the roost!”
Calling for community backing, the group said: “I can’t see anything changing unless the entire community stands together in unison to show we aren’t afraid. I can totally understand why most are afraid to speak out individually, because there’s a high chance they’d be targeted by these people.
“Even a party in the area pulled a protest, last minute a few years ago because they were afraid to be open targets.
“Drug paraphernalia is found everywhere you turn; needles, bags, citrus packs. They’ve even buried drug bags in the flowerbeds around Garvaghy Road to avoid having them in the house.
Adding to their claims they said: “There are scores of young people walking about like zombies, addicted to pregabalin and crack. All of them in serious debt. Those selling them the drugs are on holidays every two weeks and buying brand new Audis.
“It’s only going to get worse before it gets better.”
In response to the resident’s complaints, a police spokesperson confirmed they are aware of concerns in relation to reports around anti-social behaviour, burglaries and drugs offences taking place in the Churchill Road area of Portadown.
Neighbourhood Inspector Gary McCullough said: “Officers continue to work alongside partner agencies, local representatives and the community to find collaborative and proactive solutions to address the problem.
“We are committed to working towards a solution and welcome any information from the public and local elected representatives to inform what we are doing.
“My officers continue to provide a visible policing presence throughout Portadown. We constantly monitor crime trends and deploy our resources to the areas of greatest need and vulnerability and regularly run targeted policing operations, working alongside partners to address community concerns.
“We all have a responsibility to help make where we live safer for everyone. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life helps focus our patrols where they are needed and take positive action.
“Ring us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or speak directly to your Neighbourhood Team.”
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 at www.crimestoppers-uk.
