Parents slammed for bringing kids to drink and drug-fuelled raves

‘Out of control’ teenagers are causing serious disorder and concern to Tandragee, says Independent Cllr Paul Berry.

And he warned that someone is going to die if the disorder continues citing numerous occasions when the NI Ambulance Service has been in attendance.

Both Cllr Berry and DUP Cllr Gareth Wilson slammed the anti-social behaviour at the play area and Recreation Centre after a meeting with the PSNI.

Cllr Berry said: “This has been ongoing for many years on and off but, of late, it has got out of control with underage drinking and the use of drugs which is very concerning.

“Just this past weekend it has been unbelievable the noise of rave music, drinking and general disorder.

“At the meeting it was outlined that under age teens are being transported from Portadown mostly by taxis and parents with bags of drink.

“This must be dealt with urgently and we, as councillors, have asked the PSNI to immediately step up controls, implement a good police operation and deal with this matter once and for all.

“I would also appeal to the parents to know where their children are and to those who drop them of then wise up because someone is going to die if this continues.

“The Ambulance has been at this location at least on two occasions recently as a result of drugs and drink so urgent action is required.

“I would also appeal to local residents who have been tortured by this behaviour to report future incidents to the PSNI so we can get them to respond sooner.”

Cusher DUP Cllr Gareth Wilson said: “It has been an ongoing issue at weekends with staff at the Recreation Centre facing significant clean up of broken bottles.

He also said local residents visiting the park felt intimidated by crowds of twenty or more youths congregating at the play equipment.

Alderman Wilson said: “This has been a growing and concerning issue for some time and I know that both the recreation staff and local residents are getting very tired of the continued annoyance this is causing.

“It was useful to meet on site on Tuesday morning to discuss these issues along with Cllr Paul Berry and our local neighbourhood Policing team led by Constable Ross Turner.

“Staff are clearly concerned by what they encounter, especially from a drink and drugs perspective and the fact many of the young people are being dropped off by taxi and have alcohol already purchased.”

He said: “Hopefully the PSNI can put a sustained focus on this zone and try and alleviate the concerns of staff and local residents and I would also urge parents to ensure they know where their kids are and ensure their safety.”

-

-

Witness appeal after NI hospital worker’s car damaged Read full story here-

-

-

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.