WEST Belfast MP Paul Maskey and Danny Baker MLA have met with the Justice Minister to discuss ongoing concerns around anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving along the Stewartstown Road.
The meeting follows a series of community and multi-agency discussions held over the summer, with the representatives calling for a more coordinated response from government departments, statutory agencies and Belfast City Council.
A key focus of the discussions is the development of a targeted, combined approach aimed not only at tackling anti-social and risk-taking behaviour, but also at providing greater support and early intervention for young people in the area.
Paul Maskey MP said the meeting with the Justice Minister was the next step following discussions with local residents and agencies.
“Following community and multi-agency meetings at the end of the summer, we met with the Justice Minister today as an action arising from these initiatives to discuss a focused approach for the Stewartstown Road,” he said.
“We will now be convening a multi-agency meeting involving key government departments and Belfast City Council to examine how we can deliver a robust and coordinated response to the ongoing anti-social behaviour and risk-taking behaviour in the area.
“It is important that all of the relevant agencies work together, both to address the immediate concerns being raised by residents and to ensure that young people have access to the support, opportunities and early intervention they need.”
Danny Baker, MLA for the area said residents continued to face disruption and concerns over road safety, particularly as a result of the use of scooters and motorbikes.
“The reckless behaviour along the Stewartstown Road continues to disrupt the lives of local residents and put people at risk,” he said.
“We are still dealing with these incidents on a weekly basis, with reports of scooters and motorbikes travelling at excessive speeds along the road and mounting footpaths.
“This is not simply a policing issue. We need a joined-up approach involving all of the relevant agencies, with a strong emphasis on early intervention and prevention.
“Our young people need support, guidance and positive alternatives to help them stay away from this type of risk-taking behaviour. We will continue to push for additional resources to be directed into the area so that preventative work can take place alongside efforts to address the immediate problems.”
Mr Baker also said agencies must be held accountable for delivering on commitments made to the local community.
“I will continue to ensure that the relevant agencies are held to account and that the concerns being raised by residents are acted upon,” he said.
“Our young people deserve better, and local residents have the right to feel safe in their own community.
“The purpose of bringing the agencies together is to ensure that we move beyond individual responses and develop a sustained, coordinated plan for the Stewartstown Road and the surrounding area.”
The representatives said the planned multi-agency meeting would provide an opportunity for the relevant departments and Belfast City Council to consider what additional resources and interventions could be put in place, with a particular focus on prevention, youth support, road safety and tackling anti-social behaviour.
