NI Focus On Safety Strategy Welcomed

A community safety strategy for NI moved a step closer today with the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford welcoming the public's response to his ongoing consultation on a new community safety strategy.

The Minister has attended a number of the public consultation events on the Department's 'Building Safer, Shared and Confident Communities' document and said the level of engagement underlines the importance local communities place on identifying local solutions to problems, ranging from anti-social behaviour to rural crime.

"In launching this consultation, I was interested in hearing the views, ideas and solutions from people on how we can collectively reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across Northern Ireland," said the Alliance party leader and Stormont Executive Minister (pictured).

"I am very encouraged by the response to date and the willingness of attendees to identify tailored solutions to meet the needs of their local communities. I want to thank everyone for their contribution so far," he said

To date, participants have noted their top three priorities as anti-social behaviour, early interventions and the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

David Ford continued: "Anti-social behaviour and the abuse of drugs and alcohol can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.

"It is encouraging that participants agree that we must find practical solutions to tackle the root causes of crime and anti-social behaviour and not just focus on addressing the issue when it arises," he said, noting that the consultation runs until Friday 15 April and there are still a number of public information sessions planned over the next week and the Minister has urged as many people as possible to come along.

He said: "This is the public's opportunity to shape the future of community safety in Northern Ireland. I would encourage anyone with an interest in shaping the debate to attend one of the remaining public consultation events."

(BMcC/GK)