Cllr Oonagh Hanlon backs plans for strategic approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour in Downpatrick.
Sinn Féin Downpatrick Councillor Oonagh Hanlon who attended the virtual meeting last week organised by Cllrs Patrick Brown and Cadogan Enright has also called for a full set of actions to curb anti-social behaviour in the county town.
Cllr Oonagh Hanlon, who is PCSP partner and also chair of the recently formed Anti-Social Behaviour Sub-Group, said that the situation is “very worrying” at the minute.
She added: “I have been born and raised in Downpatrick, and it is a shame to see a small minority who are just seeking to ruin the town.
“I’m a believer in practical solutions and working with everyone through this. I am encouraging everyone to report where these hotspots are and come to me with any solutions you feel we can do to make the town safer for everyone.
“As a start, I have requested that Council look at practical solutions they can implement such as a CCTV review in the Grove Area, better lighting, cutting back foilage and improving signage.
“A full community consultation should be considered as many locals have requested the steps at St Patricks Centre are closed off in the evenings.
“As we move forward to implementing the ASB action plan I would expect to see practical measures yielding results.
“Diversionary activities have always proved successful in the past but have been hampered due to Covid 19.
“It is time to plan ahead and have a consistent approach to these issues,” added Cllr Hanlon.
