Dangers of fireworks and drugs aired at Sunnylands

Councillor Noel Williams, chair of the PCSP, made the comments after an estimated 30 people took part in the session at Sunnylands Community Centre.

Those present heard from several key speakers in relation to community safety matters, including representatives of the PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Health Trust.

Mr Williams said: “Whilst I was delighted with the quality of the presentations, and the splendid advice relayed to local community attendees, I was disappointed at the turnout for what was an excellent opportunity to question presenters and to glean incredibly useful information on the work of the PCSP, policing, firework safety, drug awareness and prescription drug education.”

By way of an introduction, the chairman gave an overview of the aims of the PCSP and the work it has been engaged in. He added: “It was good to bring the public meeting to Sunnylands, the area where I spent my very happy informative years growing up at the top of Sunnylands Avenue before joining the Royal Air Force aged 17. I also wanted to be responsive to the issues that had been raised recently in relation to drugs in the area.”

Mark Beresford, NIFRS station commander Glengormley, provided a graphic and informative presentation on the dangers associated with fireworks, and the need for people to exercise responsibility at this time of year, and to pass any information they may have regarding the illegal sale of fireworks to the PSNI.

PSNI Area Commander for Carrickfergus, Chief Inspector Stephen Reid, provided a detailed presentation on current police performance in relation to the Carrickfergus Policing Plan.

He also had a question and answers session with the audience and several members spoke with passion in relation to the issues affecting the local community in Sunnylands and Woodburn and relationships with the PSNI.

In response to reports of issues relating to drug dealing in the Sunnylands area, Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop, of the PSNI Organised Crime Branch, also provided an overview of the current PSNI Cannabis Cultivation Awareness Campaign and distributed awareness materials to those present and encouraged individuals to report suspicious activity to the police.

Dr Billy Gregg, consultant psychiatrist with the Addictions Service in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, spoke about prescription drugs and the dangers, and long term health risks, associated with their misuse and illegal distribution. He also answered queries and said he would be willing to speak at other events in the community to raise awareness of this problem.