Justice Minister visits community safety projects in Magherafelt

The Minister viewed a motorsports project, ‘Keep the Race in its Place’ which addresses the anti-social behaviour caused by so called ‘boy racers’ and an Agewell project to help improve the security and safety of older people in their homes.

The Minister said the projects are great examples of how the community can find local creative solutions to local problems which are key to implementing the new Community Safety Strategy which is due to launched later this year.

David Ford said: “These projects show the excellent and innovative work that local people are involved in to create a safer community for all.”

Turning to the motorsports project where young drivers learn about road safety, the difference between rally and normal cars and how to maintain vehicles safely, David Ford said: “Through this project, young drivers have a route to channel their motorsports enthusiasm which helps reduce anti-social behaviour.”

In Magherafelt, the Minister also visited an Agewell project. The Minister said: “Tackling crimes against older people is a priority for me as Justice Minister and for the Executive, as reflected in the Programme for Government.

“The Good Morning Service provided by Agewell provides reassurance to older residents, which is vitally important in reducing the fear of crime. The project also received additional funding from my Department, through the confiscation of criminal assets, for the installation of home security equipment which I hope will improve the personal safety of older people in their homes.”

The Minister continued: “I want to thank each of the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) for hosting these visits today.

“The new PCSPs provide an excellent opportunity to bring together the local community, voluntary groups and statutory agencies to improve community safety.

“They will also be integral to the implementation of the new Community Safety Strategy which sets the direction for building safer, shared and more confident communities across Northern Ireland.”