Police patrols to combat trouble

Police patrols to combat trouble

20 October 2021

POLICE are to increase patrols at Dunleath Park in Downpatrick in response to increasing concerns about ongoing anti-social behaviour in the area.

The news comes after a recent meeting between representatives from a number of organisations which was arranged by local councillor John Trainor.

He recently condemned ongoing trouble at Dunleath and revealed that iron bars had been thrown at a Covid testing centre — housed in a marquee — operated by the Public Health Agency. No staff were injured during the incident.

Cllr Trainor said there is “absolutely no excuse” for public service staff having to feel at risk as they go about their work protecting people and their loved ones. He also voiced concern that the attack could potentially compromise the centre’s continued operation.

“There is a danger to test centre staff and their equipment on site at Dunleath Park and the overall operational ability of the centre if this behaviour continues,” he warned.

Following a recent meeting involving staff from the Covid centre, the PSNI, Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials and a representative from Downpatrick Scouts, whose hall backs onto Dunleath, Cllr Trainor said he hopes the trouble will end.

He believes that increased police patrols can help address the issue and bring an end to unsavoury anti-social activity.

“This issue has been going on for too long and causing major disturbance not just to those carrying out work on a new walking track but, more especially,  those working at the Covid testing centre,” declared Cllr Trainor.

“It’s important to remember that those involved in the testing centre are playing an essential role in maintaining public health as the need for testing and tracing is as important as ever, particularly as our vaccination programme continues.”

He said it’s “absolutely inexcusable” that ridiculous anti-social elements are hampering the work of the Covid testing centre. 

“There can be absolutely no tolerance of this. That is why I was keen to bring the various statutory agencies together to discuss this problem, involving all those affected,” Cllr Trainor continued.

Describing the meeting as “positive”, he welcomed the PSNI commitment to commit additional patrols in the Dunleath Park area and hopes they prove successful.

Cllr Trainor added: “The easiest way for this to come to an end would be for those engaged in anti-social behaviour to stop what they are doing and offer something constructive. If that cannot happen, it will be for the PSNI to make the necessary interventions.”