By Michele Canning
"IT has resembled something like Beirut here."
That's the view of one Omagh trader on the firework hotspot at the town's bus depot. Police in Omagh are cracking down on firework abuse at the known hotspot - where some 2,000 schoolchildren gather daily. Already, police patrols are operating around the depot, and at the other known problem area, Scarffes Entry, to try and curb the annual problem. But Wednesday, say traders, was one of the worst days when fireworks were being set off in the crowd, as thousands wait to board buses.
"It was like a scene from Beirut here yesterday (Wednesday). It's the worst I've seen it. The fireworks were being thrown into the crowd. The number of children and adults that were standing about, well it was just very dangerous," said Jim Sharkey, who works in Book Stop, beside the depot.
Young students making their way onto buses told the TyroneHerald that only a small number are engaged in throwing fireworks. One teenager told us that a firework had been thrown in the direction of a policeman.
The PSNI has said it has received a number of complaints about nuisance in both known hotspots and hope that a step-up in patrols will curb the problems.
However, it does appear that there has been fewer incidents than in previous years, a combined result of a police presence and education. The bad weather and mid-term break is also expected to contribute to fewer fireworks incidents.
PSNI Inspector Clive Ballantine said young people need to realise that when they chuck a firework it's effectively an offensive weapon.
"The situation is not as bad as it has been in previous years but then the supply is less than it was before. But it only takes one firework to ruin the day of an elderly or a young person.
"At the minute we are top of the situation and those areas are on our radar. But there will always be occasions when incidents occur."
The Inspector added, "What may be seem like a prank to some young people could actually amount to carrying out an assault or causing criminal damage. Those involved in this type of behaviour will have to face the consequences.
"We hope that with the support of parents, schools and local community groups we can work to help make Halloween safe and enjoyable. I would ask parents to make sure they know the whereabouts of their children and to make sure that they are not engaging in any criminal activity or damage to property."
