'Crazy number of teenagers' partying at NI beach - NI Railways schedules additional stops at Helen's Bay train station

NI Railways introduced additional stops at Helen's Bay train station on Tuesday evening because of "large passenger numbers".
Andrew Quinn
By Andrew Quinn
Published 2nd Jun 2020, 18:10 BST
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"#TRAIN Due to large passenger numbers the 16:50 & 17:20 service from Bangor to Portadown will call additionally at Helen's Bay," said NI Railways on social media.

NI Railways' announcement comes less than 24 hours after some Helen's Bay residents reported seeing young people defecating in gardens, drinking alcohol and taking drugs.

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The young people have been descending on beaches in the area as well as the Crawfordsburn Country Park.

Young people pictured drinking and not adhering to social distancing guidelines in Crawfordsburn Country Park on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo: Presseye)Young people pictured drinking and not adhering to social distancing guidelines in Crawfordsburn Country Park on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo: Presseye)
Young people pictured drinking and not adhering to social distancing guidelines in Crawfordsburn Country Park on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo: Presseye)

Alliance Party MLA, Andrew Muir, said he witnessed young people clearly ignoring the social distancing rules which are in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.

"I think it's the worst I've ever experienced really," he told BBC Radio Ulster.

"I think the message clearly has to come out that 'please, people; I know the regulations have been relaxed and people are allowed to travel but we can't cope with these numbers'. There were real health and safety concerns yesterday."

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One Helen's Bay resident who does not want to be named said she was "disgusted" to see so many young people returning to the beach again on Tuesday.

"There's a crazy number of teenagers at the beaches around here.

"Some of what I have witnessed these last few days is nothing short of disgraceful - I am disgusted with it all.

"Where are their parents? Who is buying them the alcohol? And the majority of them are not adhering to social distancing," added the woman.

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