This article is from page 1 of the 2012-07-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 1 JPG
RESIDENTS of a housing estate in Ennis have outlined their strong feelings at the anti-social behaviour of just one family in their estate, writing to councillors to list a litany of complaints that include intimadation, theft, noise, fighting and certain female family members using a back garden ‘as a toilet’.
The letter, which stunned many listeners at an Ennis Town Council meeting yesterday, claimed that two other families were forced to move from the estate as a result of the antisocial behaviour.
It also alleged that pubic urination on the estate’s footpaths and gardens is commonplace, while bad language is also an everyday occurence.
Sections of the letter were read out to councillors at the meeting.
The letter, which has been seen by The Clare People, states;
“A Brazilian family has moved out of the estate as a direct result of continuous noise, intimidation and the theft of their flicker scooter bike. Another lady and her children have moved also because of intimidation.” The letter highlights incidents of “continuous fighting”, “disgraceful bad language”, drunken verbal abuse and public urination.
It also states that parents no longer feel it is safe for them to allow their children to play outside their own homes.
As a result of the intimidation the letter writes states that residents in the estate keep clinds and curtains closed throughout the day. It also alleges that alcohol is being openly consumed during daylight hours in the estate, leading to instances of loud, verbal abuse directed at neighbours.
Residents’ associations recently met with councillors over the anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) told the meeting that he wants legislation to make landlords more accountable. He says the Health Services Executive (HSE) should be instructed to view any tenancy agreement prior to sanctioning a rent subsidy. He said some members of the Traveller community are causing “major concern” in Ennis. He claimed that, in some instances, residents are “afraid to call the guards because they will be identified”. He said, “I’ve had people crying in front of me because they are so afraid. People are living in fear and something has to be done.”
Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) said the situation in Ennis has “deteriorated”. He said, “They fight in our streets, our banks. They are taking on society.”
The council is to seek a meeting with the HSE and the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter.
According to Town Clerk, Leonard Cleary, “The community (residents and landlords) have a key stakehold in addressing the issues raised.”
The Ennis housing estate at the centre of the latest allegations is not one previously associated with such instances of anti-social behaviour.