Council chairman gets a glimpse of life as a warden

She met up with Wardens John Macauley and Mark Glover at the entrance to The Belmont on Rathfriland Road on Saturday, December 7, during their 8pm-3am shift.

Councillor Mercer commented: “As well as being briefed by the PSNI duty inspector, the Wardens use their initiative and common sense to ensure that they are in the right places and the right times to help young people going to and coming from night time economy venues in Banbridge town centre.

“The Wardens were able to advise me that as well as Banbridge town centre being extremely busy with the first wave of Christmas parties, there appeared to be a greater proportion of young males to females attending the venue where I met up with them.”

She continued, “There was obvious rapport with and respect shown for the Wardens by the young people enjoying the night life of Banbridge town centre, and anyone who was carrying a bottle disposed of it in the bin provided when they saw the Wardens.

“John and Mark were professional but approachable, and were great ambassadors for having a safe and enjoyable night out in Banbridge town centre.

“It was clear that the Community Safety Wardens are a crucial part of a safer Banbridge town centre.”

The Community Safety Warden scheme is funded by Banbridge Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) with additional funding provided by Banbridge District Council, and by the DoJ Community Safety Unit but only until March 31, 2014, so all efforts are being made to secure funding and the future of the Community Safety Wardens.

For further information about Banbridge PCSP, its Members and the projects, events and activities that it supports, please contact the PCSP staffing team by Email: [email protected] or 462 0248.