PSNI and teenagers in bid to restore links

PSNI and teenagers in bid to restore links

25 November 2015

POLICE officers spent time with young people in the Flying Horse and Model Farm estates in Downpatrick last week as part of a new initiative aimed at fostering a closer link with them.

Trouble has flared at the estates over recent months and while there have been no major incidents recently, both the PSNI and community officials are keen for the area to lose its tag as a hot bed for anti-social behaviour.

Officials want to work with young people and last week members of the PSNI’s tactical support group met up with members of Ballymote Young Men’s Group as part of a move to forge a closer relationship with teenagers in the area.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has been working alongside a number of statutory agencies including the PSNI, Housing Executive, Youth Service and the local community forum to address anti-social behaviour at the Ballymote area in Downpatrick.

One of the issues being given a lot of attention is rebuilding the relationship between police and  young people of the area and during the recent meeting, young people had an opportunity to learn about the role of the PSNI when dealing with anti-social behaviour.  

The PCSP says it will continue to work with the community forum and statutory agencies over the coming months to address the anti-social behaviour issue, with the focus on engaging with young people and providing a safer environment for the residents of the area.

Last week, the Flying Horse Ward Community Forum issued an appeal to young people in both estates to meet with those engaging in anti-social behaviour in a bid to help provide activities that will keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

Forum officials say while a range of activities are already provided for young people in the Flying Horse and Model Farm areas, they want to hear what young people have to say and what their concerns and issues are to see if the organisation can help.

The community group said if it cannot help resolve the issues young people have, it will work with 

other agencies in  bid to do so. The organisation insists it is happy to meet with anyone to discuss their concerns to help promote a positive image of the Flying Horse and Model Farm areas and ensure people are happy.

Community group representative, Jenny Lavery, said the Forum “wants what’s best for this part of Downpatrick, its residents and young people.” She said the organisation is committed to doing everything it can, in conjunction with others, to ensure everyone is happy and there is no further trouble.