Limit politicians on new body

SIR, — Last week I attended the final meetings of the Down District Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and the District Policing Partnership (DPP) before they merge.

I would like to pay a 

public tribute to the CSP members over the past number of years who have worked tirelessly on a range of key issues across the district.

In particular, I would signal the important contributions made by CSP officers Mark Kent, Priscilla McAlinden and Stephanie Larkin. At DPP level, officer Janine Hillen was also an influential figure.

I hope that when the CSP and DPP merge to form the new Police Community Safety Partnership that the good work will continue right across the district.

The new group must hit the ground running and build on the excellent work of all the people associated with the CSP and DPP.

There will be 10 elected representatives on the new Police Community Safety Partnership, with nine independent members, but I am concerned that there’s nothing to preclude politicians from applying for the nine independent posts. I believe this is wrong.

If elected representatives are allowed to become 

independent members this would not provide the new group with the balance it requires as it would be top heavy with politicians with little community representation.

I plan to contact the Policing Board to seek clarification on the issue of elected representatives applying for independent positions on the new body.

Yours etc.,

CLLR. BILLY WALKER.