Mayo families raise concerns over ‘neighbours from hell’

THE scourge of anti-social behaviour in certain estates in Castlebar is rearing its ugly head again, according to Independent candidate for the Castlebar Municipal District, Harry Barrett.

Barrett was commenting after meeting families on the canvass trail whose lives were being made ‘a misery by neighbours from hell’.

He elaborated: "I have been asked to make an increasing number of representations on behalf of families who are suffering due to the antics of a small minority.

"These families tell stories of fearing for their children's safety due to cars speeding around estates, and not being able to sleep due to loud music and noise as a result of people coming and going ‘til all hours of the night.

"This is an emerging issue now for Mayo County Council because these people are renting property in either council houses or through the RAS scheme from Mayo County Council.

"I am aware that an anti-social behaviour policy is being discussed this week in the council chamber and I urge councillors to give this policy serious teeth so that this small minority can be tackled head on, quickly and efficiently. Indeed, I believe that Councillor Micheal Kilcoyne has a motion in on this issue.

"Mayo County Council must take action now to end the suffering of those who have to live beside neighbours from hell.

"I am also calling on An Garda Síochána to liaise with Mayo County Council in this regard, and to outline exactly what actions it will take to assist in this regard. "