Action is to be taken to bring a end to the fear and frustration experienced by residents living next to the car park of a former DIY store in the city as a result of young motorists gathering nightly in the area.
Shauna Cusack.
SDLP Cllr Shauna Cusack has said she has been given assurances by the company currently responsible for the former Budget DIY store at the junction of Strand Road and Buncrana Road that “take immediate action” is to be taken to secure the site.
Cllr Cusack said she, party colleague Mark H Durkan and Derry City Council had “worked hard” to try to resolve the issue.
She added: “For well over a year now crowds of up to 30 cars a night have been parking up and using the area as a meeting site where they play loud music, rev their engines and litter with fast food debris.
“This has been a torment for the local residents who have suffered abuse when challenging those responsible leaving them fearful and frustrated.”
Cllr Cusack said the local Community Safety Wardens had been monitoring the site and reporting back to the relevant authorities, but as it was privately owned land their powers were limited.
She added: “At an on-site meeting in February with Mark H. Durkan, the previous owner was openly receptive to suggestions as how to combat this issue however was financially hamstrung to take action.”
Cllr Cusack concluded: “As a result of ongoing talks I have discovered the site has now gone into receivership and I have been personally assured by the asset manager that they are considering a number of options to prevent access to the car park at night, thereby hopefully putting an end to this unacceptable situation once and for all. ”
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