WASTE OF SPACE

Anger as interface homes damaged in sectarian clashes between youths

RESIDENTS whose homes back on to an interface wasteland are “living in fear” due to arranged fights, it has been claimed.

Families in Workman Avenue, North Belfast, are often “too scared to turn on the lights” in the evenings for fear of attracting attention from large crowds at Forthriver Business Park.

It was claimed the clashes between nationalist and unionist youths have been ongoing but have deteriorated over the past month.

One woman, whose home has been damaged, said: “There’s loads of them out there nearly every night now, shouting and making a lot of noise.

“We’ve had our back door window smashed, neighbours have had windows smashed.

“It’s no way to live. You don’t even want to turn the TV as it’ll show you’re in.

“It’s constant and you’re just living in fear of a window being smashed.”

Sources say nationalists are coming to the area through the nearby Springfield Dam while unionists are appearing from Workman Avenue gate into Forthriver Business Park.

There have been clashes on the Springfield Road that runs between the two sites, however, it is claimed the incidents are often fluid with trouble flaring at various spots in the area.

Trouble has flared inside the business park next to fencing that separates the rear of homes on Workman Avenue from the largely unused site.

A main gate leading in from the Springfield Road is understood to remain open throughout the night, while the gate at Workman Avenue is closed but a pedestrian entrance remains open.

A community worker said there are concerns the incidents could escalate.

He added: “There’s a bit of fence ripped open at the Met entrance which they use to get in and out of Springfield Dam.

“Across the road they come in from the Workman Avenue gate.

“The road’s covered in paint from them throwing paint bombs at each other.

“There’s been at least one fella badly beaten at Lanark Way and the feeling is it’s going to get worse. “The people living on Workman are tortured. It’s a disgrace.”

Chief Insp Kelly Moore said people have the right to “feel safe” in their homes and urged parents to prevent their children being involved in violence.

She added: “It is critical the young people who choose to engage in anti-social behaviour understand it is unacceptable and it must stop.”

NORTH BELFAST YESTERDAY