HALLOWEEN is a time that many have come to fear due to an increase in anti-social behaviour associated with loud fireworks and unregulated bonfires.
Conscious of this, Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) are pleased to announce that four official and supervised cross-community beacon events will take place throughout the district. These events have been organised in conjunction with the PSNI Neighbourhood Teams and local community groups and promises to enhance your Halloween celebrations.
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An eco-bonfire blazes.[/caption]
The beacon programme which has been running for the past number of years has proven to be very successful in combating anti-social behaviour, illegal dumping of waste, air pollution, visual amenity, fire and smoke damage to property, fears about safety and effect on property values.
Beacons’ events which will be organised and supervised by local community groups will take place in the following locations at 6.30 pm: Windmill Street Carpark, Ballynahinch; Lislea Drive, Crossgar; St Patrick’s Square, Downpatrick; and The Upper Square, Castlewellan.
A fun filled evening is guaranteed as community groups have been beavering behind the scenes to provide many family fun events with the highlight of the night being the lighting of the beacon.
PCSP Chairman, Councillor Willie Clarke said: “I am delighted to see that this very valuable project continues to go from strength to strength. Not only do these events engender a sense of community they also have the associated benefits of providing a safe, controlled environment for families to enjoy the Halloween festivities. I would encourage everyone to support the cross-community initiative and wish everyone a safe, tranquil and happy Halloween.”
The project is jointly funded 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.
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