Final District Policing Partnership meeting

THE District Policing Partnership will merge with the Community Safety Partnership to create the new Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PSCP).

At the final meeting last month held in the Mayor’s parlour, Deputy Mayor of Coleraine, councillor William King welcomed past and present members.

Commending members for their work and dedication, councillor King said: “Some of the independent members have been here since the beginning of Policing Partnerships, which provided a consistency to the excellent work that has been carried out over the years.”

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SDLP Alderman Maura Hickey, the current chair, said her time with the DPP had been full of diverse experiences.

She said: “Being involved with the DPP has given me great insight into the role of the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, the challenges that they face at a very local level across Coleraine Borough, and also the professionalism with which they carry out their duty.

“I would also like to acknowledge how communities, working with their neighbourhood teams create safer environments for everyone, as was evidenced by the calibre of entries, accolades and awards achieved at Coleraine Borough Council’s recent Community Endeavour awards.”

Alderman Hickey, who is also the Policing and Community Safety Partnership Chair Elect, added her thanks to the District Policing Partnership members for the effort put in over the last nine years. She added: “The DPP has made a real difference to the Borough; I hope the new Policing and Community Safety Partnership will be as successful as Coleraine District Policing Partnership has been.”

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Vice Chair and Independent Member, Patricia McQuillan, said: “While all the excellent projects carried out are too numerous to mention, a few in particular stand out, such as Midnight Soccer in Garvagh, which involved 200 young people, who enjoyed the activities while learning a key message in relation to anti-social behaviour. Kilwacky Races was a community relation event in Kilrea which ran twice, June 2009 and then in June 2010.

“This event welcomed 2000 spectators supporting residents, businesses and groups building their own carts and then driving them down Coleraine Street. Another great event was the Safe Young Driver Competition, in conjunction with motor retailers and the Coleraine and District Road Safety Committee, which attracted an audience of approximately 400 people.”