Neighbourhood police work ‘must continue’

Sinn Féin Deputy Mayor Catherine Seeley and John O’Dowd MLA met PSNI Superintendent David Moore to discuss changes as to how policing is being delivered across Craigavon.

The Deputy Mayor said: “Sinn Féin wanted to discuss in detail the changes to policing structures in the area, with particular attention being paid to the need for Neighbourhood policing teams to be retained in areas where they have been making a difference. We had previously met Senior Police on this very point.

“We welcome the retention of Neighbourhood Policing teams in Brownlow and North Lurgan. It is vital that the work these teams have been involved in continues and the changes they have brought to how policing is delivered on the ground continue.

“We did, however, express concern that Neighbourhood teams have been lost in other areas such as Mourneview and sought assurances that communities that have lost dedicated Neighbourhood teams are not left at a disadvantage.”

Ms Seeley concluded: “The meeting was very useful and informative. Sinn Féin is not fixated on the number of Police stations in the area; what we are fixated on is how policing is delivered on the ground and that all communities have access to civic policing delivered in an accountable manner.

“We will monitor the changes and their impact on the delivery of the Policing service to ensure there are no negative impacts to community safety and well being.”