Community Safety Action Plan Rolls Out In Ardglass

DOWN District Community Safety Partnership hosted a successful multi-agency community safety event in St Nicholas’ Primary School in Ardglass as part of the on-going anti-social behaviour action plan which aims to improve community safety in the area.

Pupils from Primary Six and Seven classes engaged in interactive scenarios which explained the adverse effects of anti-social behaviour. Representatives from ASCERT presented an illustrative cartoon highlighting the impact of alcohol and drugs can have on children, and Anthony Crozier from the Department of Environment Roads Safety outlined good practice for cycling on the roads. Other speakers at the event included representatives from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, NI Housing Executive, PSNI and Down District Council Enforcement Officers.

The Chairperson of Down District Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Mickey Coogan said, “It is imperative that we highlight the negative effects of anti-social behaviour to young people in our society. Children at this age are impressionable and it is important we target them early so that they grow up behaving appropriately in the community”.

Councillor Coogan thanked Mr Eamon Fitzsimons, Principal of St Nicholas’ Primary School, for his support with the event and expressed thanks to all the agencies involved in the initiative. Further advice can be obtained by contacting Down District Community Safety Partnership on 028 4461 0840.

[caption id="attachment_23794" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Some of the pupils from St Nicholas' Primary School in Ardglass pictured during a programme run by the Down District Community Safety Partnership. Included are Constable Veronica Bailie, School Principal Eamon Fitzsimons, Constable Jacqui Mayne, Fergal McCann, ASCERT, Eleanor Cartney and Sarah Stevenson, Down District Council Enforcement Officers, Anthony Crozier, DOE Roads Safety Education Officer, Philip Dryden, NIFRS Watch Commander, and Cllr Mickey Coogan, Partnership Chairman."][/caption] ]]>