This petition has been organised for residents living on the lower Newtownards Road and surrounding Bryson Street area who are increasingly concerned about the ongoing anti-social behaviour taking place in the area, particularly during the evenings and at night.

Night after night, residents are being subjected to unacceptable behaviour, including verbal abuse, threats and damage to private property and vehicles. Groups of youths have also been gathering in the area, including for arranged fights, leaving local residents feeling intimidated, distressed and increasingly concerned for their safety and the safety of their families.

Residents believe that action is urgently needed to help deter this behaviour and improve the quality of life for those living in the area.

We are therefore calling for the installation of a security gate on Bryson Street. The proposed gate would remain open during the day to allow normal access for residents, businesses and visitors. Once the local GP surgery and chemist have closed for the day, the gate would be closed to help restrict access and discourage groups from gathering in the area during the evening and overnight.

We believe this measure would act as a practical deterrent to anti-social behaviour and help prevent the area from becoming a meeting point for groups involved in disorder and violence.

Most importantly, this would give residents greater peace of mind and reassure them that their concerns are being listened to and taken seriously. Residents should be able to live in their homes without fear of threats, intimidation, damage to their property or disruption late into the night.

We respectfully ask the relevant authorities to consider this request and work with local residents to introduce measures that will improve safety and reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

We, the undersigned residents and supporters, support the installation of a security gate on Bryson Street and ask that this proposal be given serious consideration.