Shantallow kids are being unfairly branded as scum due to the actions of a minority, says a local youth worker.

By Marianne Craig marianne@derrynews.net

The estate hit the headlines in recent days after a series of joyriding incidents and attacks on police.

In the most recent spate of trouble on Wednesday night, police came under fire from petrol bombs and stones as they responded to two hit and run incidents.

However, Oliver Green, of Greater Shantallow Community Arts, says ‘tarring all young people with the same brush’ is unfair.

Mr Green said 93 teenagers from Galliagh and Shantallow have been carrying out volunteer work for five weeks under the Red Shirt citizenship scheme.

“These young people are the silent majority. There are 40,000 people in the Greater Shantallow area and 65 per cent of them are under 25. Lumping them all together with the troublemakers is very damaging.”

Mr Green said there are fewer facilities in the area than 20 years ago.

“The Shantallow Youth Club was closed last November due to lack of resources so there is very little for young people in the area.

“We had more facilities in the 1980s, despite the fact we have a much larger population now.

“Instead of criticizing local youths I would like to see councillors working to support new initiatives to get them off the streets.

“I would also call on those responsible for this behaviour to desist.

“The emergency services have saved the lives of many people in this area and the time may come when the perpetrators of these attacks need their assistance.”