THE Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in conjunction with local PSNI neighbourhood teams and community groups have announced that four local Halloween events will run on Wednesday 31 October 2012 from 6.30pm until 9pm.
Eco-friendly Bonfire beacons will be lit at each event in the following locations; Windmill Street Carpark, Ballynahinch; Lislea Drive, Crossgar; Glen River Carpark, Newcastle; and St Patrick’s Square, Downpatrick and will include plenty of fun and games for all the family. The celebrations will be supervised by local community groups who have been working tirelessly to produce a spectactular that everyone can participate in. The sites have been chosen as centralised locations so all residents and visitors can attend.
PCSP Chairperson, Down District Councillor Carmel O’Boyle said: “Halloween and mid-term break is a time when communities participate in the lighting of bonfires. The safety, supervision and organisation of these events have become a major concern in local communities. The need to identify and organise a better way to participate in these events has become more and more apparent.
“Our bonfire beacon project has become very popular within the district and has proven to be a good resource in reducing anti social behaviour over the school’s mid term break. I have to give a special thank you to all the community groups who will be assisting in the running of these events. We hope that everyone will enjoy these family friendly events organised in a safe and supervised mannner. I would encourage everyone to join in on the celebrations, come in fancy dress and get ready to party.”
Councillor O’Boyle added: “Windmill Street Carpark and Glen River Carpark will be closed on Tuesday 30 October from midnight until midnight on Wednesday 31 October, St Patrick’s Square will be closed from 5pm until 10pm and Lislea Drive will have limited carparking on Wednesday 31 October.”
The project is funded jointly by the Community Safety Partnership and the EU’s Peace III programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes body and delivered by the North Down, Ards and Down Councils Cluster.
