Call for people to give information to the police
Residents living in the Drumbawn area have moved to condemn a vicious attack in recent weeks on two Latvian women living in the area, and some have called for the Housing Executive to take action and force those responsible for the anti-social behaviour in the area to be moved.
The Drumcarran Community Association, which represents residents of Drumbawn, Drumbeg, Carran Crescent and Carran Mews, responded to the attack which tool place in the early hours of Saturday 25 October.
A spokesperson for the group said: "It was a brutal attack which resulted in one woman sustaining a broken arm and another requiring hospital treatment. Until then this hard-working family had been living happily and contentedly in our area. We apologise wholeheartedly to the family for the pain and distress they have suffered. Unfortunately, they have left the area, so we cannot convey our regret in person.
"This is not the first time migrant workers have been attacked and forced to leave the neighbourhood," he explained. "Other incidents involving attacks on individuals and property have occurred sporadically over the past years.
"Our association is speaking out because we wish to make it clear the vast majority of the community in this area is totally opposed to such attacks, and we condemn such behaviour irrespective of the nationality of the victims. Our community is well-established and law-abiding, with many residing here for over 20 years. We have welcomed new residents regardless of racial, ethnic or religious background, and we will continue to do so,.
"The attack which took place on 25 October, was carried out by a small number of individuals, known to both the community and the police. It is regrettable that a few can cause so much distress for the majority."
The spokesperson said the people in the area acknowledge the good work being done by the PSNI and the Housing Executive in the neighbourhood. However, he added: "It is felt by some residents that the Housing Executive should take a more robust attitude towards its tenants who engage in harmful, destructive behaviour.
"The Association also feels that the policy of the courts whereby individuals are continually being released on bail into the community where they have offended undermines community confidence and support for the police and community representatives.
"The Association is aware that many feel vulnerable, and we call upon the community to support those who may feel intimated. We call upon anyone with information to be courageous and make it available to the PSNI. If someone feels unable to do this, they should make it known to the Association.
"Remember the often quoted words of the Irish philosopher Edmund Burke 'All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing'.
"It is time for the good people of this community to do what they can to resolve this."
When contacted, the Housing Executive admitted they were aware there was a problem in this area of Enniskillen.
Its spokesperson explained: "The Housing Executive is determined to tackle situations where unacceptable forms of behaviour are causing distress and anxiety to other residents.
"We are aware that there is problem in this area. The Housing Executive is working with the PSNI and Fermanagh District Council to address issues raised by local residents,.
"The District Office will respond to any instances of alleged of anti-social behaviour and the Housing Executive has procedures in place for dealing with such matters. If the Housing Executive decides to take legal action, it is essential that we have independent evidence to support the case.
"We would urge residents in the area to provide as much information as possible to the local Housing Executive office. This will allow us to take whatever action is deemed appropriate."
