Despite ongoing efforts to engage with the youth in the area, community groups have expressed frustration over recent cuts to services, according to UTV.
The land is owned by Apex Housing Association, which stated, “We have not authorised the current activity on the Meenan Square site and continue to re-secure boundary fencing and gates after each incident of forced entry. All options to remove materials from the site have been explored, however, no contractor has been willing to assist due to health and safety concerns.”
The association also acknowledged the potential danger and distress that the bonfire poses to local residents and visitors. “Working with the PSNI, we have engaged with local representatives and statutory bodies to mitigate the risks associated with a bonfire at Meenan Square. We remain committed to working with all relevant parties to find a resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of the local community.”
A cross-party bonfire working group from the council met yesterday but did not reach a resolution. No members of the group were available for comment.
The council has allocated £15,000 in funding for new and alternative positive activities in the wider area. Independent councillor Gary Donnelly stated, “There’s nothing positive about bonfires, they’re not good, and I would hope we would be in a position where they’re a relic of the past.”
Meanwhile, at St Mary’s Youth Club in the nearby Creggan area, young people are participating in a community festival, building something different with the help of some of that council funding. However, frustration persists over cuts to youth services in the area.
Senior youth worker Peter Nixon said, “We’re trying to get young people engaged in positive alternatives, and this is one example of it.”
The bonfire is scheduled to be lit on Thursday evening, and police have announced that they will implement a policing operation to ensure the safety of residents and the public.
