SDLP Councillor Shauna Cusack has welcomed the decision by Council officers to keep locking the gates at the Baldrick Crescent steps area of Rosemount.
The gates at Baldrick Crescent and in Nassau Street will be closed every Friday and Saturday evening at 6.30pm approximately, and opened again each Saturday and Sunday morning at approximately 7.30am until the end of September.
She said: "Last year, having had Council commit to ensuring these sets of gates were locked on weekend nights to combat the continued anti-community behaviour there, the current schedule and contract with Estate Services is to end as of now.
"I had been advised by Council officers that the new lighting system should deter such activity.
"Judging by the issues which occurred there last weekend these lights will not be a deterrent but more a facilitator to attract gatherings.
"The lack of lighting had meant the section was a health and safety issue for council employees to close and hence an outside contractor was employed. This gave great comfort and security to the residents who have enjoyed a long period of peace.
"I have made the Council aware that if this changes there is an almost guarantee that previous problems will quickly reemerge. I am therefore delighted that the requested authorisation that Council continue with the same locking schedule has been approved and I know that residents will be very relived at this decision.
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