Teenager Joins DPP

One of Northern Ireland's youngest local District Policing Partnerships (DPP) members has been announced.

Kirsty Bell (19) becomes the youngest member of Newtownabbey's DPP and says she is "delighted" to be selected as one of four new members.

"Obviously I am delighted to have been successful and look forward to representing the voice of young people on the DPP," the Queen's History and Politics student said.

And the Ballyclare girl said her tender years will not hold her back from becoming an integral player on the DPP.

"My experience as Shadow Mayor of the Youth Council had provided me with good experience in chairing meetings and of course attending full council meetings has given me a good understanding in civic decision making. I look forward to playing a full part in all aspects of DPP work," she said.

Also taking up roles as new independent members of the Partnership are Ronan Corrigan from Jordanstown, Sean Quinn from Ballyclare and Pritam Sridhar from Glengormley.

On April 1 the quartet will replace Gerry Mullan, Carol O'Malley, Pat Webb and Kathy Wolff who have served on the DPP since March 2003

Councillor Tom Campbell, Chairman of the DPP, paid tribute to the contribution of the outgoing members: "I want to place on record my genuine appreciation of the contribution by the outgoing members who have played such a valuable role in the establishment of this DPP and ensuring that the voice of the people was heard in all our discussions with the local Police Commander over this past five years. It is vital that the community has confidence that the DPP represents their best interests in ensuring its safety and wellbeing.

"I would also take the opportunity to welcome our four new members and am confident that they will bring their respective talents and experience to ensuring that this DPP remains at the forefront in ensuring that local policing is sensitive to the needs fears and expectations of the community at large."

See: Policing Post For SAS Ambush Survivor

(BMcC)