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Calls for notorious west Belfast flats to be demolished

Vincent McElkerney of the Falls Residents Association pictured at the remaining Ross Street flats in west Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
Vincent McElkerney of the Falls Residents Association pictured at the remaining Ross Street flats in west Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell Vincent McElkerney of the Falls Residents Association pictured at the remaining Ross Street flats in west Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell

THERE were calls on Thursday night for a notorious group of flats in west Belfast to be demolished after residents told how they feel like "prisoners in their own homes".

The flats at Ross Street in the lower Falls area have been described as a magnet for anti-social behaviour, with a vicious attack on a delivery driver the latest in a series of alarming incidents.

They were also the scene of the murder of former republican prisoner Frank 'Bap' McGreevy in 2008, which led to the demolition of part of the complex.

However, officials have said there are currently no plans to clear the rest of the site, despite appeals from politicians and community groups.

Security gates, smashed windows and tyre marks left by car criminals greet visitors to Ross Street, a short distance from St Peter's Cathedral and the Falls Road. Grilles even cover windows inside communal hallways.

One resident said groups of teenagers make life a misery for others by taking drugs, stealing cars, vandalising property and verbally abusing people.

"There is a man here whose windows have been broken 10 times. They pick on those that they know are vulnerable," he said.

"It’s like Beirut in places."

Michael Donnelly, from the Falls Community Council, said one resident told social development minister Mervyn Storey during a visit this week that living in the flats "is like being in a prison".

"There are some residents who have said they don’t leave their homes after a certain time each night. They are living in fear," he said.

A spokeswoman for the minister said he would await the outcome of a consultation process with residents before considering the future of the flats.