The shuttered up James Street flat, and pictured, Chloe Mitchell who was murdered in the property.
The family of Chloe Mitchell, a 21-year-old woman who was brutally murdered in Ballymena last year, has launched an online petition calling for the demolition of the flat where the horrific crime took place.
The flat, located at 22 James Street in the Harryville area of Ballymena, was the scene of one of the most unimaginable crimes to ever occur in the town. The property is owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Now, just over one year on, the Mitchell family, along with friends and members of the tight-knit Harryville community, are calling for the shuttered-up flat - a haunting reminder of the depravity that took place - to be demolished.
The petition states:
"On the 3rd of June 2023, a young girl's life, who was 21 years old, called Chloe Mitchell was horrifically murdered in a flat of number 22 James Street, Harryville, Ballymena.
“Chloe had a heart of gold and would have helped anyone. Us as a family and Ballymena community, along with further afield, need the flat demolished.
“What happened inside that flat was completely demonic. We have been told the flat would never be allocated. Family and friends who live near are haunted every day by the events that occurred inside and around the flat.
“The family is asking for everyone's support in signing this petition to get the flat demolished. It is causing a lot of distress to the family and community, and Chloe's parents, due to the horrific murder of their daughter that happened within the flat.”
Responding to the petition, a spokesperson for the Housing Executive said:
"The demolition of any property requires significant deliberation.
“As this property is part of a wider block, we would also need to consider the other adjoining properties and residents when considering the demolition of this flat.
“We have only just been made aware of the petition.
“We will take the views of its signatories on board when considering any future plans for the property."
The Mitchell family and the Harryville community are hoping that the petition which has now attracted almost 2,000 signatures, will gain enough support to persuade the Housing Executive to demolish the flat.
To view the petition and to give your support by signing, please tap here.