Campbell condemns threats against Creggan community worker

Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Campbell has condemned a number of incidents in the Creggan area of the city in which a prominent local community worker was threatened by a gang of youths.

Last night, community worker Conal McFeely was threatened by a gang of youths, a number of whom were masked and wearing hoods.

In was the latest incident the vicinity of the Ráth Mór shopping complex, business park and Bligh’s Lane in which a large gang of young people have caused damage while collecting materials for summer bonfires.

Cllr Campbell said: “I would like to condemn the shocking treatment of Conal in trying to prevent this large gang causing damage and taking the pallets from local businesses.

“Sadly this is a recurring problem each year and every effort has been made to try and stop this from happening but regrettably there is an element who simply don’t want to listen to anyone and feel they basically can do whatever they want.

“There is also a heavy onus on parents to know what their children are at and also on all the various statutory agencies who need to step up to the mark.”

Cllr Campbell concluded: “Bonfires attract anti-social behaviour, under-age drinking and are a safety and environmental hazard. Previous bonfires in the area have caused damage to local property and the cost of the clean-up ran into thousands of pounds.”