WATCH: Serious concerns raised over anti-social behaviour in Ferrybank as tractor set on fire

There are ongoing concerns over in the Ferrybank area over ongoing, serious incidents of anti-social behaviour.

While some of the Ferrybank area falls within Co Kilkenny a large area is also within the County Waterford boundary, however, the concerns over anti-social behaviour come from within both sides of the county boundaries.

Such is the level of anti-social behaviour in the general Ferrybank area that a security company withdrew its patrols from the Bellfield and Fiodh Mór estates over health and safety concerns following a serious rise in such activity.

However, the most recent incident involved a tractor being set on fire near the Clover Meadows estate close to the local Aldi supermarket. It caused alarm among locals with some people claiming anti-social behaviour in the Ferrybank area has reached "monumental levels".

The matter was raised at a recent meeting of the Piltown Municipal District with one councillor describing the area between the two estates - linked by a footbridge over the soon to be opened South East Greenway between Ferrybank and Slieverue as "a rat race".

The area in question there is quite isolated and is a veritable 'no-go zone' for residents once it gets dark and there have also been reports of rocks and other heavy items being thrown from the bridge linking the two estates, down onto the greenway.

"It has become a hotspot for vandalism and intimidation," said one resident. Gorse bushes under the bridge have also been set on fire, however, the latest incident raised the bar of anti-social behaviour to an even higher and more dangerous level.

The incident was tended to by a number of fire tenders and the Gardaí also attended the scene.

The general policing of Ferrybank covers and area that stretches from there to Rosbercon, just outside New Ross in County Wexford, to Piltown in Co Kilkenny. Concerns over policing numbers was raised recently by Councillor Eamon Quinlan, from Waterford City and County Council who said more resources are needed.

Anyone with any information about the incident involving the tractor or any other incidents of anti-social behaviour is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300 or Ferrybank Garda Station on 051 830240 or any local garda station.

Watch a video clip of the blaze caught on camera by Caitlyn Culbert below