Plans to open Glebeside centre to prevent ASB

THE Glebeside Community House is to extend its opening hours in a bid to reduce anti social behaviour in the local area.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Mar 2010, 14:46 BST

Plans have been put in place to open the Belford Park facility some Friday and Saturday nights when such crimes occur.

Addressing community policing at a recent District Policing Partnership meeting, Area Commander John Magill explained: "Six Neighbourhood officers are responsible for delivery of community policing in Ballymoney town, subdivided into three pairs, each with their own beat areas.

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"During the past three months we have three new officers to the team. Constable Rickey Black brings investigative experience having been attached to Coleraine Crime Time while Constables Anna Picken and Paul Creith have arrived from the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Coleraine. All three have settled well and will bring their own skills to Ballymoney. They replace Constables David Kyle (retired), Gary McMullen and Stephen Hunt. Glebe - Constables Sam Picken and Ricky Black, Carnany - Constables Willie Hogg and Anna Picken and Castle - Constables Dessie Shirley and Paul Creith.

"These officers are in regular contact with their local community and are focused on dealing with local problems to improve the quality of life for everyone living, working or socializing in the town."

Outlining some of the Gelebside schemes, the police chief continued: "There has been considerable work ongoing within Glebeside estate to address antisocial behaviour and low level crime. Phase 2 of GAP (Glebeside Awareness Project) has commenced in conjunction with the local youth football club.

"This partnership sees neighbourhood officers work closely with local 11-16 year olds to increase awareness of the impact of anti social behaviour on their own community and the potential implications for themselves.

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"Funding has also been obtained from the policing with the Community Fund to support a "Dreamscheme" project in Glebeside, centred on the Community House. Arrangements are now in place to have local community leaders trained to deliver workshops on issues such as behaviour, respect, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual awareness and good citizenship.

"Facilities have been improved and it has been agreed to extend the opening hours of the Community House to include some Friday and Saturday nights when anti social behaviour etc occurs. Incentives have been identified for those young people who successfully complete the programme and a review will be conducted in September to assess its impact."