Belfast city centre ‘at tipping point amid surge of anti-social behaviour’

By Rebecca Black (Press Association)

Belfast city centre has reached a “tipping point” due to rising levels of anti-social behaviour, a business owner said.

Richard Evans, owner of the Pocket Cafe, said he and others who have invested in the area are facing an “untenable situation” and called for action in an open letter to Belfast City Council.

He sounded the warning just weeks before the city is set to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture, for the first time, describing the “deterioration of the city centre” as a “daily reality” affecting traders, staff, residents and tourists alike.

“In recent months, the scale and severity of drug-related activity in the city centre has escalated dramatically,” Mr Evans wrote.

“We are dealing with addicts injecting in public spaces, including inside business premises. We are dealing with attempted break-ins, vandalism, and now full-scale burglaries where individuals, under the influence and acting out of desperation, are smashing their way into shops and cafes.

“My own premises was recently targeted – a keg thrown through the window, the interior destroyed when nothing of value could be taken. This is not an isolated event, it is part of a pattern that every business owner in the area recognises.”

Mr Evans expressed concern at an increase in rough sleeping, and “individuals being left without support, intervention or a plan from the authorities”.

“The city centre has become a place where people are sleeping in doorways, injecting in alleyways and wandering the streets in a state of distress. This is not only unsafe for businesses and the public, it is deeply inhumane for those who are clearly in need of structured help,” he wrote.

Mr Evans urged the council to take action, including a strategy to address drug use, increased police and community safety presence, a clear plan to support rough sleepers and engagement with business owners.

Responding, a Belfast City Council spokesperson said it is “committed to making our city centre the best it can be for residents, visitors and businesses, and to tackling the challenges we, like other cities, face around homelessness, addiction and anti-social behaviour”.

They said they have “led the way” with a multi-agency approach to support those facing homelessness, and are engaging to look at overdose prevention facilities.

“Our successful bid to bring Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Belfast this summer, as well as in 2027, is expected to bring over 800,000 visitors into our city and generate millions for our local economy,” they said.

“We have worked closely with the business community to help them prepare for the event and make the most of the opportunities it offers, and we will continue to work towards attracting more events of this calibre to our city.

“A multi-agency approach will be in place during the Fleadh to support businesses, visitors and residents, with enhanced co-ordination between organisations, particularly in the city centre, to deliver a safe and welcoming event for everyone.”

Richard Evans, owner of The Pocket Cafe on Upper Church Lane (PICTURE: BRIAN LINCOLN)