Praise for teenagers,police over facelift

As reported last week, officers in the village’s neighbourhood policing team, ably assisted by a group of local teenagers, painted over graffiti in the tunnel that links Toberwine Street and Altmore Walk.

And even though mindless idiots returned to the alley to deface it with more graffiti within days, those involved are undeterred in their efforts to make Glenarm a more welcoming place.

This week, the village committee congratulated the young people who worked with the community police officers to give the entry a spring clean.

“The former dark tunnel has been transformed into a bright, beautifully painted and well-lit walkway which is very attractive to those walking that way and to motorists driving past,” said a spokesperson. “Well done to the young people. It’s your village and the committee very much appreciates your contribution in improving it for everyone and the successful initiative taken by the community police team.”

The tunnel has constantly been daubed with graffiti.Originally painted black inside, it had no illumination and had become a magnet for young people who were gathering in the area and causing annoyance to local residents.

Over a weekend, 12 teenagers joined neighbourhood officers in re-painting the tunnel. After the two-day make-over was complete, the young people were treated to a meal at McDonald's and an opportunity to try go-kart racing.

One of the police officers who organised the event, Constable Tommy McKee, said: “.

“I believe the work conducted in the alleyway will not only make people using it feel safer, but aesthetically it can only enhance what is an already beautiful village.”

He added: “As well as securing funding for this project, in partnership with DRD we arranged to have street lighting installed both inside the tunnel and in the area to the rear of it. This, combined with the new colour scheme, has improved both the look and the feel of the tunnel, especially during the evenings and at night.

“With so much good work having been done, it is sad that vandals daubed republican slogans along the walls of the alleyway, on Monday night March 22, just two days after the renovation work had been completed.”

Neighbourhood officers removed the graffiti and are appealing for witnesses. The telephone number is 0845 600 8000, email [email protected] or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Police also expressed gratitude to parents and friends who donated drinks, crisps and sandwiches for those who participated in the project.