Launch of anti-social scheme at Ballymote

Launch of anti-social scheme at Ballymote

5 July 2017

A MAJOR community safety initiative has been launched in Downpatrick in a bid to cut down on anti-social behaviour.

Where is your child tonight? is an initiative which includes the Housing Executive, Translink and the Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership and comes after major trouble broke out in the Model Farm and Flying Horse areas of Downpatrick earlier this year.

The project is also being rolled out in the Carnagat area of Newry.

As part of the project, 15,000 fliers will be delivered door-to-door, while 750 posters will be displayed across each area, raising awareness of the dangers of anti-social behaviour.

Comghal McQuillan, South Regional Manager at the Housing Executive, said the organisation is committed to building stronger communities and always strives to make people’s lives better.

“It’s unfortunate that anti-social behaviour is an aspect of life in some areas, but with positive action and engagement with local parents, we can help steer young people in our community along a better path,” he said.

Councillor Harry Harvey, chairman of the Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership, said anti-social behaviour can lead to criminal convictions which have devastating effects on a young people’s future prospects.

“Good parental supervision can stop this and other activities often associated with alcohol and drug abuse,” he said.

“It’s very important that local parents ask themselves everyday ‘Where is my child tonight’?”

Lisa Perry from the Flying Horse Ward Community Forum, said: “We’re always keen to reduce anti-social behaviour in Ballymote and this initiative is an excellent way of bringing the issue to the attention of local parents.”