by Gareth Cross
A Creggan resident has hit out at young people who have gathered in the area recently to construct a bonfire.
The bonfire was erected in the Kildrum Gardens area of the estate last week.
The resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has said that local residents, a number of them elderly and suffering from illnesses are annoyed with the bonfire.
She said that a bonfire had been avoided last year and residents had hoped this practice would continue.
"We have had bonfires in the past but we didn't have one last year after (local Independent councillor) Gary Donnelly spoke with young people in the area," said the resident.
"Over the weekend young people, many of them not from the local area, have brought tractor wheels and other debris into the area and started a bonfire on the banking.
"The residents don't want the bonfire and they don't want anti-social behaviour on their doorsteps.
She appealed for local representatives to intervene.
"We would hope councillors can help, people have started putting up flags in the area too," the resident said.
"If residents were asked 95% of people would be fully against this type of behaviour.
"The area has undergone a clean-up in recent times. Graffiti has been removed and the area is well maintained.
"Things are really taking shape and now we have pallets etc being brought into the area to be burnt.
The resident said that a number of elderly people live in the area and they were being affected by the bonfire.
"Some of our residents are currently dealing with and recovering from illness," the resident said.
"They are being disturbed and they are not happy.
"The road was blocked a few years ago and this is the last thing local people want.
"They are down every night burning things and drinking."
Local Independent councillor Gary Donnelly told The Derry News the bonfire was affecting ill people in the area.
"A number of residents in the area don't keep well and some of them are on oxygen and dealing with serious illnesses," he said.
"The majority of the young people involved don't live in the area and their is a lot of anger.
Cllr Donnelly said that he tried to directly engage with the young people involved.
"There is no support for the residents, I've spoken to the young people to try and reason with them and explain the bonfire wasn't wanted.
"They are very, very young but it is not a matter of telling them what to do.
"I tried to explain to them that their are people with serious illnesses in the area, they listened but made no commitment to stopping the activity.
Cllr Donnelly said he had been in touch with community workers to try and reach a resolution.
"I have since contacted local community workers to try and sort it out," he said.
"There is no doubt that some of the people who were collecting in the Brandywell recently are also involved in this.
"It is a small fire, but the residents have been upset by this behaviour."
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