Members of Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) met recently with representatives from groups across the Ballynahinch area to discuss community safety concerns.
The meeting in the Market House was attended by a number of groups and a lively and healthy discussion was held about the issues that concerned the community including play facilities, criminal damage and drugs.
The main discussion of the night, however, focused on the issue of road safety. Residents discussed the impact of speeding cars, inconsiderate parking and the need for additional parking bays in the town centre.
PCSP Chairman Councillor Willie Clarke speaking after the meeting said: “I would like to thank everyone who attended the meeting tonight because it is so important for the voices of the community to be heard on policing and safety matters. People in Ballynahinch have highlighted the problems they face and as a partnership we aim to ensure those problems are dealt with.
“The main message of the night however is that drivers are being urged to think about how they access, park and exit the town centre because this causes trouble for everyone else trying to go about their business, especially those people who are disabled or have mobility problems.”
Sgt Nigel Donnelly (PSNI), Janine Hillen (PCSP) and Esther Millar (SEELB Youth Service) outlined a number of measures they could implement to improve safety. Other representatives attending the meeting included Deirdre O’Neill (Youth Justice Agency) and Catherine Maguire (NI Probation Board).
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