Homeowners left stunned following ‘boy racing’ episode

Local authority officials and garda chiefs are being urged to clamp down on so-called ‘boy racers’ after 56 car enthusiasts brought a Longford town estate to a virtual standstill last weekend.

Homeowners living close to Longford’s EDI Centre were left stunned by last Saturday night’s incident, Town Cllr Tony Flaherty told last night’s (Wednesday) meeting of the local authority.

Stopping short of naming the estate concerned, he also revealed some drivers even ventured as far as to physically lift concrete bollards in order to gain access to an open stretch of the otherwise quiet neighbourhood.

“This going on two or three nights every single week,” he said, leaving some of his fellow members visibly surprised by the revelation.

“I have nothing against boy racers, but I think it might be time to look for a greenfield site for these people because they are ruining the environment of this town.”

Giving her own reaction to the news, Cllr Mae Sexton said she believed a growing number of youngsters were arranging mass meetings through social media channels.

“The noise that does come from the new Newtownforbes by-pass along the Strokestown road at times, I’m telling you, even your TV can’t be heard with it.”

It’s now expected the issue will take centre stage at the next meeting of Longford Town Council’s Joint Policing Committee (JPC).