Antisocial behaviour reaches frightening heights in Kells

As frightening levels of antisocial behaviour continue in the Maudlin Street area of Kells, it has emerged that a local town councillor was attacked in the area in recent weeks and passing motorists have also come under attack. Residents of a number of estates in the area say they are being terrorised by youths who attack passers-by, throw stones at passing cars, threaten local residents and light fires in local estates. Cllr Sean Drew, a member of Kells Town Council, was assaulted while walking in the Mauldin area recently and two passing cars were damaged last Thursday by stone-throwing youths. Gardai and the fire service were called to fires in the area over the weekend and cars passing along Maudlin Street came under attack from groups of youths. As antisocial behaviour continues to be a major problem for residents of the area and passers-by, the problem was due to be discussed at a meeting of the local town council last night (Tuesday). Cllr Drew was assaulted while walking in Maudlin Street recently and locals say they are afraid to walk into town because of the problems in the area. Last Thursday evening, two cars were damaged by stones thrown by youths and Gardai received further reports of youngsters throwing stones at cars in Maudlin Street over the weekend. Gardai and the fire service were called to two bonfires on Saturday evening. Two people were arrested on the first occasion and a 17 year-old girl was arrested in the second incident. Cllr Drew said there was a serious problem in the area and strong action would have to be taken. Cllr Tommy Grimes said what was happening was an absolute scandal and warned that somebody could be seriously hurt. “It is out of control. Somebody will be seriously hurt, or people will start taking the law into their own hands,” he warned. He pointed out that the fire brigade had been called out several times over the weekend and there was another incident on Monday in which a bonfire was lit in the area. “People are afraid to open their doors. Elderly people are terrified and are afraid to go to the Gardai but we, as a council, are not afraid and we will take whatever action we have to,” he warned. The cathaoirleach of Kells Town Council, Cllr Conor Ferguson, said elderly people living in the area were taking taxis into town because they were too afraid to walk. He said youngsters as young as 14 were able to get their hands on drink and were causing huge problems for local people. The further incidents over the weekend have only served to heighten concern in the area. “It will take a combined effort by parents, community groups and the Gardai,” Cllr Ferguson added. “Parents often don’t realise where their children are and should be taking a more steps to stop this,” he said. Cllr Ferguson said great work had been done for young people in the area during the summer months, but now with the dark evenings, there was nothing for them to do. Kells Town Council was due to discuss its draft antisocial behaviour strategy at its October monthly meeting last night. Last April, the council held a special meeting to which representatives from estates in the area were invited, along with the Gardai.