Mitchell Calls For Black Walk Fencing

The remnants of Halloween night…

ost people in Greystones feel the same way about dog poo as they do about roaming packs of youths deliberately causing trouble and destruction.

Nobody wants to find little shits outside their door.

It’s an issue that was brought sharply into focus for Councillor Derek Mitchell when he visited the aftermath of such behaviour in Kindlestown Park and Kenmare Heights, which had culminated with a bonfire at the Black Walk on October 31st that was one part Halloween celebration, and one part an opportunity for locals to get rid of old mattresses, armchairs and Formica fittings.

“On Halloween and many nights before there was bad disorder on this council property,” says Mitchell. “People were forced out of their homes by fireworks and stones being thrown at their houses and cars by a group of 30+ teenagers.

“The video of it was shocking...”

That many of those responsible are known in the area seemed to make little difference. Especially to their parents.

“I walked through the area at 11am the morning after Halloween night,” continues Mitchell, “and it looked like a war zone, with fires still smouldering and a few youths still hanging around.”

A spokesperson for Wicklow Fire Service confirmed they were called to the bonfire on the night, as were the gardaí. The council had cleared the area of collected mattresses, couches, etc, three days before Halloween.

“A long-term plan is critical here,” says Mitchell, “but this will take time. So, a fence is needed now, at least 7m north of the existing one to take any disorder further away from the houses.

“The council must get this fenced now…”