Residents flee homes over anti-social behaviour

One family’s arrival into a Tuam estate has triggered an exodus of residents from neighbouring houses.

And Gardaí in Tuam have now been asked to patrol the estate on a regular and particularly at night to combat anti-social behaviour.

It has been learned that there have been trespassers at the back of houses at Gold Cave Crescent – an estate that was developed within the last 20 years in Tuam. It became the first step on the property ladder for many couples – but recent years have seen a move towards predominantly rented property in the estate.

And in recent months there has been some trouble in the estate and this has prompted some tenants of rented houses to seek other accommodation.

Bicycles have been stolen, refuse bins have been tumbled over, tyres have been slashed and noise levels at all times of night have increased considerably.

Landlords in the estate have now been contacted by a local public representative in an effort to try and resolve the situation. He admits it is going to be a difficult task.

Cllr. Shaun Cunniffe said that there was a major problem in the estate with anti-social behaviour and it needed to be resolved. He called on the Gardaí to intervene.

He said that discussions had taken place with landlords in the estate with regard to the trouble that had taken place and some of them were concerned about recent events.

“It is terrible that even tenants are moving out of houses in the estate because of intimidation. This has to be addressed by both the Gardaí and tenants associations. No one can live like this.

“We have spoken to some landlords and they are horrified by what is happening. Some don’t really care once the rents are coming in. There is trouble in this estate that needs to be sorted out.

“I have met with the residents who own homes in this estate and they wake up every morning wondering what damage has been done to their property or their cars. This is no longer acceptable,” Cllr. Cunniffe added.