Agencies Unite to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour

Representatives from the Newry, Mourne and Down Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PSCP), PSNI, local Youth Service providers, NIHE and elected representatives met recently to discuss and agree a way forward to help address the increase of anti-social behaviour within the Ballymote Area.

This meeting was productive and resulted in the Agencies agreeing to devise a co-ordinated approach to complement the current work being undertaken with a view to providing a long-term strategy for the area.

PCSP Chairperson, Cllr Mickey Larkin said, “There is excellent youth provision in the Ballymote Centre with programmes running every evening from Monday to Saturday (inclusive). These programmes will continue to run during the Halloween break. Representatives were delighted that a film produced in association with the Youth Service and young men from the Ballymote area had been premiered in the Eclipse Cinema in Downpatrick.”

Cllr Larkin continued, “In order to help deal with those involved in the anti-social behaviour the PSNI have requested assistance from members of the public by asking them to report incidents detailing date, time and names if possible, to their 101 response line. They have ensured complete discretion and confidentiality to anyone providing such information. All the agencies currently involved have advised that they are keen to hear from the community and you can contact them on the following numbers:NIHE:0344 892 0900; PCSP: 0300 013 2233; PSNI: 101; Patrician Youth Centre:028 4461 5488; and Ballymote Youth Service: 028 4461 6377.

The PCSP will continue to work in partnership with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that a sustained and comprehensive response is made.”