News

Wood pallets set alight in the New Lodge Road area of Belfast

The fire service were called to scene of the blaze yesterday afternoon at around 1.30pm
The fire service were called to scene of the blaze yesterday afternoon at around 1.30pm The fire service were called to scene of the blaze yesterday afternoon at around 1.30pm

A COUNCILLOR has called for an end to anti-social behaviour in the New Lodge Road area of Belfast after a collection of wood pallets were set alight near homes and businesses.

The fire service were called to scene of the blaze yesterday afternoon at around 1.30pm. No one was injured in the incident.

It is understood that the fire is the latest in a string of incidents in the area involving a group of youths.

Sinn Féin Councillor JJ Magee said in recent weeks residents in the area have been intimidated and several buildings damaged.

"They have attacked residents with bottles who asked them move wood away from their homes, and threatened Housing Executive workers," he said.

"However, setting fire to wood piled near businesses and homes is a whole different level of threat to the people who live there. This incident could have led to serious damage to property or to serious injury.

"I am working with council, the Housing Executive and the emergency services to tackle this blight.

"I am also appealing to the young people involved to desist from any further activity before someone is killed or seriously injured."