There’s growing angst among the people of Portadown as of late with many claiming that the town has become so “run down”, “dangerous” and “messy” that it has even been referred to as a “slum”.
Among the rising mass of concerns is the general upkeep of the town and surrounding areas, the cleanliness of the high street, the prevalence of graffiti, overflowing bins and discarded drug paraphernalia.
While the issues appear to be worsening, they are certainly not new.
Graffiti – in particular – has been a constant gripe for almost a decade.
In 2022, Armagh I reported that Brownlow Neighbourhood Policing Team and Portadown Neighbourhood Policing Team said, even then, graffiti was increasing at a ridiculous pace.
They spoke then, to encourage the public to speak up against vandals that were targeting property.
Even as far back as 2017, residents groups in the Portadown area said parts of the town had “become like a ghetto”.
In a damning indictment delivered to council’s Chief Executive, Roger Wilson a letter on behalf of Portadown Community Inter-Agency Forum called attention to local play parks and hit out at the appearance of Portadown town centre as a result of graffiti and “continual neglect”.
Today, areas like the Gilford Road that were once considered more “up-market” have also become the target of spray-can wielding taggers.
Described as the “forgotten land” of Portadown, one Tandragee Road resident said “paramilitary-style graffiti” now adorns the “intricate stones” of the Annagh Bridge and all along the substations and walls of the area.
They also explained that four to five plastic bags of rubbish sat piled outside the former Cascades Leisure Centre for days and that fly-tipping of rubbish is a common occurrence in the area.
In the resident’s opinion, the areas most affected include Tandragee Road, Thomas Street, Brackagh Moss, Clonavon Avenue and Thomas Street but added that other areas of “decay” include Annagh Hill, Carrickdale Gardens, Hanover Street, George Street, Cecil Street, Burnbrae Avenue, Mourneview Street, Coronation Street, South Street, Clonavon Avenue, Portmore Street, Bann Street, Queen Street, Tavanagh Avenue and Meadow Lane.
Beyond graffiti, areas outside of the town centre – like Moneypenny’s Lockhouse and Whitecoat bridge – have also been highlighted as places that are becoming “unsightly” and in need of maintenance.
Calling the town a “slum”, another person added: “Picnic tables, seats, signs covered with graffiti under Bann Bridge, grass not cut, hedges, bushes growing wild, overflowing bins, used needles etc. It’s a third world town.”
One woman who spoke to Armagh I said that her – and many women she knows – refuse to walk along the towpath from the Meadows Shopping Centre alone, believing it to be “unsafe” due to the presence of “lingering” youths.
Indeed in 2022, repeated reports of teenagers “creating havoc” in the Meadows area – where staff at McDonalds, the Meadows Shopping Centre and Tim Horton’s had been subjected to vile abuse and, in some cases, assaulted – prompted police to up patrols in the area.
This publication has also twice reported in the last fortnight the increasing concerns for safety in the Garvaghy Road area – with particular focus on Churchill Park.
Here, it has also been reported to Armagh I that drug paraphernalia can frequently be found discarded in the vicinity of the housing development, where it is alleged that drug dealing is also common practice.
In relation to the points outlined above, police in Portadown have confirmed they are aware of concerns about anti-social behaviour in the local area.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector McCullough said: “Our officers have been working closely alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community to try to address this problem and I want to reassure the community that we take anti-social behaviour very seriously.
“People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe in their communities and people who choose to engage in anti-social behaviour must understand it is unacceptable and must stop.
“We have asked parents and guardians to speak to their young people about where they are and who they are with and also to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in them injuring themselves, others, or ultimately, with a criminal record which could have an impact on their future employment and even travel.
“I want to reassure the community our officers will be continuing to carry out patrols in the Portadown area and I would encourage anyone who witnesses any anti-social or criminal behaviour to report any incidents to us 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 at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
Armagh I has contacted council for comment.
