Police hail improved community relations in West Bann area

MANY feared for the future of the Heights, Killowen and Churchlands areas of Coleraine following the death of Kevin McDaid last year.

But Neighbourhood Officer Constable Mark McCallion has told the Coleraine Times that hard work between the community and the PSNI has led to improved relations in the area.

"A lot of hard work between ourselves, community leaders, civic leaders and the clergy has helped improve relations in the area," said Constable McCallion.

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"The community is coming forward to us now and making us aware of their concerns and it is definitely helping things. The street briefings are well attended and we have received very good feedback and we intend to keep it up."

Constable McCallion admitted that there is still an issue with groups of youths hanging around the area, but he was quick to point out that anti-social behaviour is dropping in the area.

"Yeah there are still a few groups hanging around but we have worked to build up a rapport with them," he said. "We find that they are easier to work with if you know them personally.

"There have also been several very positive youth projects run in the area and all these things are helping to reduce anti-social behaviour."

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Constable Robert Rainey is also working hard with the community in the neighbouring area to Constable McCallion.

Constable Rainey is the Neighbourhood Officer for Burnside Park, Greenmount, Pinetrees, Castleroe and the Riverside Regional Park told the Coleraine Times that groups of youths congregating in public is also an issue in these areas.

"Unfortunately this is an issue along with underage drinking and fighting and it can be unsettling for the residents," he said. "But we have held a number of meetings with the residents and we are working hard to address this issue and their other concerns.

"It's very important that community talk to us and that we build up a rapprt to resolve these issues."

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Constable Rainey also revealed that they are monitoring the Trim Trail after reports that people are riding scramblers in the area.

"We'd like to make people aware that we will have regular patrols in the area," he said. "The Trim Trail is used by a lot of walkers and joggers and they can be put in danger with these machines.

"We also have the right of ceasure of these machines if they are not insured."

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