West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Falls unites against SDLP Minister flats decision

Published: 19 August, 2009

Falls residents, community activists and political representatives handed in letters of protest to the office of SDLP Social Development minister, Margaret Ritchie, this afternoon, Wednesday 19th August.

They were there to register their strong opposition to the decision taken by the Minister not to demolish the flats in Ross Road in the lower Falls area of West Belfast.

Robert McClenaghan from the Falls Residents Association said:

''After having read the media reports surrounding Minister Ritichie's decision we were deeply dismayed with the rationale behind this.

''While recognising that the housing need in the area is great we nevertheless feel that to use this as an excuse not to take action and demolish these flats is completely disingenuous.

''This area in particular has long suffered the effects of anti-community and criminal behaviour. Over the years stolen vehicles have crashed into these flats with walls being demolished. The surrounding area and the vacant/waste ground and walkway are being used as gathering points for the elements involved in the anti-social behaviour to drink, take drugs, destroy property, attack the Falls Leisure Centre, mug people, carry out assaults, use it as a circuit for death-driving and other activities.

''Indeed they have even kicked in the doors of the flats and have used the corridors and stairwells to have parties in. There have been large numbers involved in this and residents have been totally terrified. This is where feelings of isolation, despair and vulnerability prevail.''

Local Sinn Fein councillor and MLA Fra McCann said:

''The NIHE have had to put reinforced doors in the flats. This is all well documented with both NIHE and the PSNI. The quality of life and the environment in which people live in within this area leaves a lot to be desired.

''Tragically Bap McGreevy was murdered. The wider community was appalled and all the statutory bodies had to sit up and take stock and explore what they could do for an area that has suffered so many years of neglect.

''As part of the package of measures it was requested that the flats be demolished and the NIHE undertook a survey to look at the feasibility/possibility of doing this and it concluded that it was possible. Margaret Ritchie needs to immediately reconsider her decision and to take into account the advice from NIHE to demolish and redevelop this problematic area. It would make a significant contribution in tackling the ongoing problems that we face in that area.''