Republicans from across Belfast turned out on Sunday in support of the residents of the lower Falls who are being plagued by anti-social and criminal elements.

The group visited homes and spoke to residents during a leaflet drop in the district, less than a week after the home of a local community worker was attacked after he spoke out against the thugs currently holding the area to ransom.

A brick was hurled through the living room window of Robert McClenaghan’s Clonfadden Street home last Monday after he appeared on a news report to talk about anti-social behaviour in the area.

Local representatives were quick to condemn the incident as the PSNI launched an intensive operation focusing on combating local crime and anti-social activity.

Some of those same  representatives were also  involved in Sunday’s leaflet drop, including local councillor Jim McVeigh.

“A call was put out to community activists to do a leaflet drop condemning the incident at Robert’s house,” said Councillor McVeigh.  “We have also asked people not to feel intimidated. We called to homes from Dunville to Cullingtree and spoke to residents about the situation and emphasised that we need to get on top of it.

“The response was the same at many of the houses. People are at the end of their tether about anti-social behaviour and they want the police to take a hard line with those behind it.”

North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly also lent his support as did councillors Matt Garret and Gerry O’Reilly who is elected to Newtownabbey Council.

Bobby Storey, Chair of Belfast Sinn Féin, said people from the area would appreciate the support of republicans from across the city as the Falls fightback continues.