MLA calls to halt temporary housing allocations in Newtownstewart

by Gráinne Connolly

There are calls for the Housing Executive to stop allocating people temporary homes in Newtownstewart.

West Tyrone MLA, Daniel McCrossan hopes the idea would bring down the level of anti-social behaviour in the village.

He says recent issues with drugs, burglaries and attacks on businesses have been linked back to some of those who've been housed by the authority.

“I have met with the PSNI and listened to the views of the local community and it has become clear that there has been a spate of recent anti-social behaviour in the area that is attributed to persons who are temporarily housed by the Housing Executive. 

“There have been a number of attacks on residential homes and businesses; there have been cars stolen, drug crimes have increased and there have been instances of knife crime in the area.

"These crimes have not been committed be local people from the area. They have been committed by people who are moved out of other areas due to their behaviour.

“I do not want to see anyone deprived of a home.

"However, we cannot continue to let people terrorise local neighbourhoods. That is completely unacceptable.

"I have called for this temporary stop measure to ensure proper checks and balances are put in place, that people are properly vetted and that all measures possible are undertaken to ensure that no criminal activity is allowed to continue.

“The NIHE have agreed to my proposals and I hope that they go some way in making the area safe for local residents.

"We cannot allow the status quo to continue. And I hope a long term solution is found soon.”