Cllr Kerr was at pains to point out that for the vast majority of young, and old the Halloween holiday was enjoyed in the traditional spirit of the festival with many people availing of the host of events which were organised by Magherafelt District Council.

Unfortunately, said Cllr. Kerr, for a small minority of young people Halloween does nothing more than to present them with an opportunity to engage in the very worst forms of anti-social behaviour which results in peoples’ lives being made a misery over the Halloween period.

“There are many traditions associated with Halloween, one of which is the lighting of bonfires. Where this can be done in an organised and supervised way which does not cause harm and worry and anxiety to those living near it, it can be a great occasion for young people.

“Where it is done in such a way which causes community tension, is not supervised and has the potential to cause actual harm to peoples’ homes and property then it has the potential to becomes no more than an excuse for wanton vandalism and the intimidation of residents.

“Unfortunately this is what happened in Maghera at Halloween. The siting of the bonfire in Sunnyside has for the past number of years been a source of tension and indeed annoyance for those residents immediately affected by it. This year the Housing Executive were adamant that the bonfire could not be lit where there was a danger to overhead electricity cables.

“What was more worrying was not the actual bonfire but the behaviour of some young people after the fire had been lit.

“People in the area were submitted to abuse and threats by a group of young hooligans.

“I realise that the tradition of lighting a bonfire is a strong one and I am not saying for one moment that young people should be deprived of this opporunity every year. But when the occasion is used by some, many of whom are not from the area, to impose their will on others and make life miserable for the residents then that is a different matter and is to be condemned.”