Boy racers 'terrorising' Dromore as councillor warns community life is being torn apart

A LOCAL councillor has issued a furious warning after what she describes as ongoing anti-social behaviour by boy racers who are “terrorising” the rural town of Dromore and destroying quality of life for residents.

Councillor Colette McNulty, who grew up in the area, says she is “absolutely fed up” with the havoc being caused by speeding vehicles tearing through the town in the early hours of the morning, leaving families exhausted and fearful.

She said an incident at 3.30am on Sunday morning was the final straw.

“Having one or two lads rallying through Dromore at 3.30am is completely unacceptable,” she said.

“People are being dragged out of their sleep in the middle of the night with no regard whatsoever for residents, families, terrorising elderly people or anyone who has to get up for work. It is selfish, reckless and deeply disrespectful.”

Cllr McNulty warned that the behaviour has been ongoing for around two months, pausing only briefly during recent snow and ice, and fears it will continue unless those responsible are challenged.

“No one seems to know who is responsible and it appears they’ll keep doing it as long as they think they can get away with it,” she said. “That’s what’s frightening. Who knows what else they might get up to?”

She said the constant disturbance is taking a particular toll on elderly residents and young families, many of whom are being repeatedly woken during the night.

‘Scary’

“Do these people have no job to go to in the morning? No responsibilities? This is getting scary,” she added.

The councillor also pointed to recent PSNI speed checkpoints in neighbouring towns, warning drivers that enforcement action is increasing.

“Unless you want to end up with points on your licence, you need to wise up,” she said. “Think about your actions and realise how disruptive and irresponsible you are being.”

However, Cllr McNulty said the problem goes beyond speeding, describing a surge in littering that is leaving the countryside and roadsides “disgracefully” polluted.

“This is not children doing this. It’s adults who should know better,” she said.

“Coffee cups, Red Bull cans, rubbish thrown all over the road. I recently walked three miles from my home into town and was absolutely flabbergasted by the amount of litter dumped along the way.”

She said the behaviour shows a complete lack of respect for the area and sends the wrong message to future generations.

“If you live here, respect here,” she said.

“It’s genuinely sad walking around and seeing rubbish destroying our community. Take your rubbish home and put it in a bin. It really is that simple. Show some pride in where you live.”

Cllr McNulty has called on residents to stand together and on those responsible to stop before someone is seriously hurt.