New police partnership meets in Ballymena

Members of the Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership at the first meeting at Ardeevin, Ballymena. Elected members: Reuben Glover, Samuel Hanna, Cheryl Johnston, Lynn McClurg, Gregg McKeen, Andrew Wilson, William McNeilly, Brian Collins, Paul Sinclair, Patrice Hardy. Independent Members: Noel Rogan, Jonathan Cooke, Emma McIlveen, Wendy Kerr, Margaret Hawkins, Ashleigh Perry, Marian Maguire, Brenda Leslie, Rodney Quigley. Picture submitted.

The Chairman of the new Partnership, DUP Alderman Gregg McKeen who represents Larne Lough said PCSP members and staff had already been working closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other statutory partners throughout the transitionary period.

“We were briefed on the good work that has already been delivered through the Mid and East Antrim PCSP Transitional Strategy and Action Plan. The Strategy will help us to build on the good work of the previous Partnerships in Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus.”

Ald. McKeen said PCSPs provided a unique opportunity to bring services closer to communities.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Chief Executive Anne Donaghy, Alderman Greg McKeen, Chairman of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Vice Chair Wendy Kerr, and PSNI Superintendent Ryan Henderson.

“With the introduction of the new Community Planning powers PCSPs can help to tackle societal issues and to reduce crime.The interagency approach will be central to our work.”

Also last night, Wendy Kerr was appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the PCSP for 2015.

She said: “We have a dynamic group of people on the Partnership from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and everyone is keen to play their part.”

The new PCSP includes 10 local Councillors appointed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and nine independent members who were appointed by the Northern Ireland Policing Board to serve on the Partnership. Seven statutory agencies will also actively contribute to the work of the Partnership.