The bookmakers office at Creggan shops which was badly damaged in a recent arson attack.
There has been a call for an end to anti-social behaviour in and around the shops at Central Drive in Derry’s Creggan Estate after local residents claimed they were “living in fear.”
A number of residents in the Rinmore Drive, located to the rear of the shopping complex, spoke out after a number of incidents, the most recent being the setting fire of play equipment at Holy Child Primary School.
It followed the burning of a van belonging a local bakery and a fire which damaged a bookmakers office.
Councillors for the area have hit out at those involved.
Sinn Fein Cllr Kevin Campbell said the incidents were an attack on the “entire community” and needed to stop as people were now becoming afraid of going into the area after dark.
He added: “In order to combat this type of activity we need a joint approach from parents, the community sector and statutory organisations such as the Housing sector and the PSNI.
“I will be liaising with all the relevant agencies to bring a solution to this increasing problem.”
Independent Cllr Gary Donnelly claimed those involved were turning the shops into a “no go area.”
He said parents had “a duty” to ensure their children were not involved in “this sort of activity.”
He reiterated his call for a community forum to be set up in an effort to deal with the situation.
SDLP Cllr Jim Clifford also condemned those involved, stating local people were “living in fear.”
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