Share the cost plea
Thursday, 9 October 2008
PORTSTEWART residents have blamed pub owners for increasing levels of anti social behaviour in the town.
At a District Policing Partnership meeting held last Monday one angry resident demanded landlords share the cost of policing Portstewart's trouble spots
“It's a disgrace that they are not fit to show their faces when, at the end of the day, that's where the trouble comes from," he said.
Residents had earlier been told police resources were being wasted while officers stood around waiting for trouble every Friday and Saturday night.
Inspector Nigel Ford described a situation where neighbourhood officers often "tied up in a static capacity"
He added: "We are trying to engage with the pubs and clubs in an attempt to get them to take more responsibility."
One resident said the vast majority tax payers were footing a policing bill which should be paid by licencees.
He was told however, police had done much work in partnership with the council and pub owners and that door attendants could only legally deal with incidents on their own premises.
Another Portstewart resident expressed concern clubs were exceeding their capacities.
“There is another Stardust disaster waiting to happen," he added, referring to the Dublin nightclub in which 48 people died in a fire, "If that's responsible ownership I don't know what to think."
DPP chairman, John Dallat assured the meeting council health and safety officers visited all premises and Inspector Ford said police had the power to recommend the withdrawal of drinks and entertainment licences.
Area Commander Nicky Thompson said police in Coleraine would in future be "pulling back" static policing and further engagement with landlords was expected.
He added that alcohol lay at the root of most crime in the Borough yet it could be bought from any supermarket.
“It's not just about pubs and clubs - if alcohol was banned we could all pack up and go home," said Chief Inspector Thompson.
A residents group are to explore the possibility of converting Portstewart's former police station into a multi-purpose community hub.
At a meeting of Coleraine District Policing Partnership, a spokesperson for Portstewart Vision - the Community Forum said the group "reluctantly agreed" the station had to be sold but were hopeful of persuading the council to back plans for a community centre.
The property has been vacant since 2002 and after consulting the public, police have decided to sell it on.
Coleraine Borough Council has already expressed an interest in buying the property but if the full market value can not be raised the building will be offered to private developers.
Portstewart Vision want facilities such as child care, citizen advice and a drop-in centre on the site
“Obviously the big challenge is adapting the building in the first stages and finding funds necessary to develop a vibrant self funding hub able to meet a range of needs in the community," said the spokesperson.
“While we look to Coleraine Borough Council as the lead strategic partner, we can not expect the council to fund the project.
“Funding is available form a range of sources which must be explored." she added.
