Student police officers help out community

Tesco's, LA Paints and Gareth Francis Interiors in the town donated the much needed resources after student officers swapped handcuffs for paintbrushes in Limavady and Ballykelly as part of the Business in the Community challenge. The group was kept busy covering three projects on the day; getting rid of graffiti at the alleyways in Limavady town centre, painting Ballykelly Community Hall which was damaged during an arson attack, and painting the exterior wall of the newly extended Orchard Community Playgroup. Councillor Leslie Cubitt, who was always on hand on the day with a paint brush, said each of those traders which contributed to the neighbourhood project should be congratulated.

Councillor Cubitt said; " I would like to say a big thanks to those shops which donated equipment to the cause. The Housing Executive donated the paint which is being used to paint over unsightly graffiti in the area. It is also good to see the police out in the community and doing something that the general public can see."

Community Safety Superintendent Sam Donaldson said the student officer's training showed the importance of neighbourhood policing.

He said: "I'm delighted once again to welcome student police officers to the north west. In a few weeks, many of these officers will be serving Constables in the area. Much of the training they receive is focused on delivering neighbourhood based policing and this is a chance to for them to engage with local people on a local initiative."

"We can teach student officers legislation, handcuff techniques or many other skills, but it's only when they are on the ground that they realise effective policing is done in partnership with the community. Painting over graffiti may not seem like a big contribution to make but the small things means a lot to local people."

Hilary Dickson, Programme Manager, Business in the Community Cares added: "I'm always amazed at how much the business volunteers gain from going out on these challenges. They come back feeling enthused, refreshed and more knowledgeable about what is going on in the community. I'm delighted that the student officers had such a good day and made such a significant impact."

On completion of the projects the student officers enjoyed some well-earned refreshments in the community hall kindly provided by Limavady District Policing Partnership.