The Strand is targeted by graffiti vandals

A popular area in the centre of Athlone was vandalised with graffiti last week, leading to concern being expressed by a residents' association about increased anti-social behaviour in the locality. The graffiti was sprayed in numerous locations along The Strand, a riverside area frequented both by locals and tourists visiting Athlone. The incidents occurred late at night on Sunday and Tuesday of last week, and the vandalised property included private houses, a restaurant, litter bins, the Franciscan Friary grounds and a sign listing Town Council parking charges. Tommy Connaughton, Chairman of the Griffith Street Residents' Association, said that residents "have had it up to here" with anti-social behaviour. "This graffiti has caused huge damage to houses, public buildings, the Friary wall - you name it," he said. "It's done by people who have absolutely no regard for the area, and because a lot of the residents living around here are elderly, it generates a sense of fear among them also. "I am a delegate for the Tidy Towns and there's a group of 15 of us in Griffith Street who have made a huge effort to clean up the area in recent weeks. At the moment The Strand is spotless in terms of litter, so for people to come along with graffiti and destroy the good work that has been done is a setback for us. It's hugely frustrating." Mr Connaughton said he feels the problems are being caused by a 'hardcore' of about 20 youths who drink in Burgess Park and then engage in anti-social behaviour when they are "tanked up" with alcohol. "They are drinking in the park and nobody seems to be doing anything about it. I don't remember ever hearing of anyone being convicted for drinking in public there," he said. "In the past they've pulled up flower beds in the area. Then, about three weeks ago, myself and another man came across a group of four sixteen-year-olds who were throwing rocks at swans in the middle of the day. When we confronted them, one stood his ground at first and said 'what business of yours is it?' That's what you're dealing with," he said. Mr Connaughton said he and other local residents were hopeful that - by drawing attention to the vandalism - those responsible might be identified and similar offences might be prevented from happening in future.