Monthly police surgeries to be held in Carnany - meeting told

POLICE surgeries in Carnany are to take place every month in a bid to reduce crime in the area.

The news was revealed during a recent District Policing Partnership meeting at Riada House last Tuesday.

Outlining community policing, Area Commander John Magill explained: “Two further police surgeries have been held in Castle Community Centre as part of our commitment to police and communities together. The shared Neighbourhood programme was launched in the Castle Street area.

“Police have been involved with this along with outside agencies, namely NIHE, Castle Community Association and Ballymoney Borough Council. This is funded by NIHE and aims to show Castle is a shared space for all members of the community.

“Neighbourhood Police have included an article in a newsletter produced by NIHE. This addressed the reporting of crime and asked the local community for assistance in solving local problems such as antisocial behaviour. Police surgeries in the community centre also advertised in the newsletter.

“A number of joint visits have been conducted with NIHE to residents who were causing problems for their neighbours.This appears to have had a positive effect. These problems are identified and addressed at bi-monthly Anti social Behaviour meetings attended by NIHE, council, youth agency and PSNI.

“Police Surgeries in Carnany have to date been held on an occasional basis, however arrangements are now in place for monthly surgeries in the Community House and it is hoped this will be replicated in other sectors. The Community Forum met in December to further the delivery of PACT and there was positive feedback that the proactive work in local communities was having an impact on anti social behaviour and the level of anti social driving which has been raised at the previous meeting.

“Neighbourhood officers in Castle and Carnany are working together to deliver a sports programme in conjunction with the University of Ulster, Coleraine. This will bring together approximately 50 young people from different backgrounds and increase awareness of each others culture and sporting traditions with a view of increasing tolerance and respect.”