The burned out car set on fire on Racecourse Road last night.
SDLP Shantallow Councillor Brian Tierney has said anti-social behaviour in the Shantallow area must stop before someone is seriously injured “or worse.”
Cllr Tierney was speaking after a car was taken from Greenhaw Crescent and pushed on to Racecourse Road where it was set on fire last night.
According to Cllr Tierney, up to 50 youths were involved in the incident.
He said: “I was contacted by several residents on the Raceourse Road on Saturday night; there has been an ongoing problem in the area of youths congregating there, particularly at weekends.
“Up to fifty youths had gathered and set a car alight and put in the middle of the road.
“I was there, along with police, fire crew and community representatives.
“We tried to calm the situation, and to some degree we did, however, when we pressed the young people about their actions they could not give us an answer as to why they felt the need to cause such a blatant obstruction to some many residents and motorists.
“The residents of this area have been living under these difficult circumstances for quite some time and something has to happen to relieve them of this torment every weekend.
“I’m continuing to work with the police to get the burnt out car removed from the middle of the road, as of Sunday morning it was still causing a disruption.”
Cllr Tierney paid tribute to the emergency services.
He said: “I applaud the actions of the Fire and Rescue Service and the PSNI, who showed common sense and restraint in handling the situation, working with councillors and others and helping not to create a more volatile situation.
“In saying that, this sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable.
“I will continue to work with all key groups in the area to help alleviate the scourge of anti-social behaviour from the Shantallow area.
“Whilst there were no reports of any injuries, there is always the potential that this sort of behaviour will lead to a serious injury or worse.”
Cllr Tierney concluded: “Something has to give before that happens.”
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