By Alan Healy
Deputy Editor

YOUTHS in the Rosemount area are openly buying alcohol from the boot of a car close to Brooke Park, a local councillor has claimed.
It comes after 14 people were arrested at the weekend following reports of alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour at the Muddy Steps area between Rosemount and the Glen.
Discussing the issue at this week’s monthly meeting of Derry City Council, the SDLP’s Helen Quigley said that young people are purchasing drink from the boot of a car near the park on weekends.
“There is a serious issue around the off licenses in the area and who is supplying the drink,” she said.
“There’s also at least two cars involved in selling drink, which have been seen close to the park openly selling alcohol to young people out the of the boot.
“As far as I know one of the vehicles has been clearly identified by the PSNI.”
At the meeting, Cllr Quigley also called for an urgent meeting between all relevant council departments to address the ongoing trouble in Rosemount.
“This is happening week in, week out at the Muddy Path and Brooke Park and these are lands which are owned by council,” she added.
“We have the situation now in Rosemount where youths are converging on the area for drinking sessions, back alleys are being used a public conveniences and much worse.
“The people of Rosemount are getting no peace, and they’re dreading the weekends.
“So we need to organise a meeting and bring everyone together to look at this and address the current lack of youth provision in the area, so no one is fobbing or fudging responsibility onto other people.”
Sinn Fein Councillor for the area Maeve McLaughlin added that it was up to council to ‘take the lead’ on the issue through their Community Safety Forum.
“What also needs to be looked at is the current lack of Off the Streets workers here,” she said, “and why there are no youth intervention workers in area that has the highest amount of 14-16 year olds in the Outer West area?”
The Deputy Town Clerk John Meehan added that he would now seek to organise a meeting between the City Engineers, Environment Health and Sport and Leisure department over the Rosemount issue.
Five of the young people arrested at the weekend are expected to appear at Derry Magistrate’s Court next month charged with disorderly behaviour.
Out of nine juveniles arrested, three have been released on bail and six released pending report to the PPS.