Threats against Londonderry safety wardens condemned

Alderman Gary Middleton, Group Leader of the DUP on Derry City Council, said: “The DUP in Londonderry have had a great working relationship with our local community wardens over the years. They are there to serve and support the community along with other statutory agencies.

“This cowardly threat which was made through a community worker will no doubt be very stressful for the wardens and their families at this time.

“The wardens have been consistent in their duties, providing a much needed service and ensuring that our citizens feel safe.

“On behalf of the Londonderry DUP, I would like to once again pledge our support to the community wardens and call on those who have issued this threat to withdraw it immediately.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Brenda Stevenson said the threat against Derry City Council’s Community Safety Warden staff should be widely condemned.

She described the threat as “an outrageous attack against Derry City Council staff who are working to protect and serve their local communities.”

Calling on community groups, trade unions and the wider public to pledge their opposition to the threats, the Mayor said it was imperative that there was widespread opposition to the intimidation from across all sections of the community.

She commented: “The Community Safety Warden Scheme is a hugely vital service provided by Derry City Council to protect vulnerable people and communities living in fear of crime.

“They have been successfully addressing issues of low level anti- social and nuisance behaviour across a number of areas in the urban and rural areas of Derry City Council.

“The Council is taking the threats very seriously and taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its staff. I am therefore calling on those responsible to immediately lift the threat and allow these people to continue with the excellent work they are doing to serve our communities,” she added.